Forgiveness

He draws closer than anyone ever would. He bares His soul.

He shows Himself as He is. He hides nothing.

He touches when others repel. He is God.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.

T'was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fear relieved.

How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.

I saw grace in a new light when I understood that the condition of my heart matters to Him.

I see now that His way though more demanding is intended to keep my heart pure.

I read that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are formed under pressure.

Been let down and left broken? Accused and misunderstood? Unable to forgive yourself, much less others?

Look to the One crucified to the cross. What did he say about those who put Him there?

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals,

one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:33-34 NKJV.

"Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" John 21:15 NKJV. This He asked Simon not once but three times. I believe it was because Simon Peter could not forgive himself even when Jesus had forgiven him. Simon Peter had yet received divine forgiveness onto himself. Jesus knew and wanted to free Peter from self-condemnation and guilt which might have led to despair. Judas Iscariot could not forgive himself. In his life's darkest moments, he took it into his own hands. Judas took his own life. If only Judas had gone to the cross.

"Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep." John 21:15-17 NKJV.

Jesus does not count on us to be unforgiving. He counts on us to make a difference. He counts on us to make it count for Him.

Forgiveness gives us a chance to reflect on our mistakes. Forgiveness gives us a chance to pick up the pieces and start ANEW.

Forgiveness is about His relentless belief in us. Forgiveness is the beginning of restoration. Forgiveness is the manifestation of His love.

What are you going to do about your forgiveness?

Sv