Born during times when mere mortals sold God’s forgiveness, Martin grew up feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending race to win His grace. No matter what he did, he never thought it was enough to “earn” God’s forgiveness. It was not until he internalized the Bible verse that says: “the just shall live by faith,” that he found peace in Jesus and His forgiveness. Because the forgiveness that Jesus gives us is not for sale.
Have you ever felt you’re on a never-ending race to win the grace of God?
Bart’s mother abandoned him as a kid. She ran away, leaving him behind to deal alone with his abusive father. As soon as he was able to, he ran away as well. Chasing his musical dream, he ran. He ran away from the memories of his father and toward music as fast as he could, but it was never fast enough. Until he realized that he needed to forgive his parents, the heavy burden slowing him down lifted from his shoulders, and he could move on and advance in his personal, spiritual, and professional life.
Unfinished business with forgiveness robs you of your peace. It is like constant discomfort, a lingering sour taste, and a heavy burden. Forgiveness that hasn’t been given or received doesn’t let you move ahead in life; it keeps you stuck.
Freely you have received, freely give
As a kid, the portion of The Lord’s Prayer that caught my attention the most was the part that says: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Does that mean God won’t forgive me if I struggle to forgive? Does it mean that when we accept God’s forgiveness into our lives, it is only natural for it to flow through us, enabling us to forgive others?
If you are struggling with forgiveness today, don’t feel bad about it. Whether your struggle is feeling forgiven or forgiving someone, know that God doesn’t expect forgiveness to spring from within you. So please, don’t feel guilty for struggling with it.
Forgiveness is not for sale. God freely gives you the gift of forgiveness every day and enables you to share with others the peace that comes with it. Ask Him for the strength to forgive others. He won’t let you down.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” – Colosians 3: 13
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