Ready to Forgive

"O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,

so full of unfailing love for all who ask for our help."

Psalm 86:5

February 6-7

Am I "ready to forgive?"  God knows us and he knows he is going to be offering up forgiveness on our behalf.  I don't think I step into life "ready to forgive."  There are times I step into situations praying in advance for everybody to just get along and be kind, but I want that to transform my thought process into an attitude of "ready to forgive!"

Last month, I read an excellent devotional on forgiveness by a She Reads Truth writer.  Below are some key points which grabbed me.

"...in my career as professional counselor, I've seen it time and time again: our natural inclination is to retreat and self-protect. It seems we're afraid to show others our sadness and pain, as if it's somehow safe to put up walls of anger and silence-even while we long to be understood and feel a close connection with those we love.

Joseph had every reason not to trust his brothers, to want to protect himself instead; yet he placed his trust in God.  Joseph's identity and security were do deeply rooted in God, he was able to forgive his brothers entirely, and invite them into his presence and under his protection. (Genesis 45:9-11).  

Joseph's response blows me away, and yet, isn't it a reflection of God's response to us?  We'd like to think we're always the honorable underdog, like Joseph.  But we're also his vengeful brothers, we're the villagers throwing stones (John 8:3-11), and we're the ones who put Christ on a cross.  (1 Peter 2:24). 

I have offended a perfect God more horrendously than I can bear, and I've been forgiven more completely than I can fathom.  Mercy upon mercy upon mercy has been heaped upon me.  Out of this relationship with an overwhelmingly gracious God, I find that I, too, can be moved, changed, and compelled to truly forgive."  SRT

Isn't that powerful?  Let's step into this weekend, ready to forgive!

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

Matthew 6:14