Why do we—who have received so much grace from God—think it’s okay to withhold forgiveness from our enemies or those who offend us? We tend to make them our “enemies” instead of realizing, with great pity, that they are not our enemies; rather, they may be controlled by the enemy. We all are from time to time! We all need forgiveness. God has been reminding me that the proof I’ve completely forgiven those who have aligned with the enemy is when I desire the same good things for them that I want for myself.
Ah, but it’s so difficult, isn’t it?
I’m so grateful that God is quick to gently remind me of the 4 trillions in forgiveness that He put in my bank. I don’t EVER want GOD to forget how much HE has forgiven ME and instead give me HIS just PENALTY for MY sins—do YOU? My, my, isn’t that really what our unforgiveness towards others is, though? We want God to exact justice on those who offend us but not on us. Our lack of full forgiveness is really related to how quickly we have forgotten the immense measure of grace God has given us.
We forget we are one of the “ALL [who] have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
We were ALL the enemies of Christ, yet—He chose to die for us! Before we obtained God’s FREE gift of salvation, we were ALL destitute, filthy, blind beggars wandering hungry, cold, and naked, bound for the yawning chasm of hell.
We were completely without the ability to help ourselves.
But God, in His great mercy, called us—while we were His enemies—and invited us to become His children. When we accepted, He pardoned all of our crimes against Him, and gave us the keys to His kingdom.
His righteousness became ours.
His blessings belong to us.
WE are joint-heirs with Christ!
When we remain consistently aware that we are great beneficiaries of grace, we humbly desire good for even our worst enemies because we know their offenses are no greater than ours. Jesus said:
“LOVE your enemies, BLESS them that curse you, do GOOD to them that hate you, and PRAY for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44
God’s grace should completely change how we treat those who offend us. No one was more innocent than Jesus; yet, He had compassion on the very people He was going to die for—fishermen, lawyers, doctors, Pharisees, beggars, lepers, adulteresses, tax collectors, thieves, murderers, and even the so-called “good” people. When we love our enemies, we demonstrate OUR love for God and HIS love for us!
4 Responses
i stuggle with it to when iam remined over and over about the sins i been forgiven for.but one think i’ve never understand why am i ask to stay stuck win i know he has forgiven me two iam always to stay in past hurts that will.keep you struck in.yeserday sin then it becomes so so hard.to forgive youself and why is it so hard to forgive yourself than forgive others its real battles in side are mindset
Good morning, I’d like to see if I could answer your question, but I need to know what do you mean by “forgive yourself.” What does that look like?
Once again, so timely. I was having this conversation with Him this morning, just before picking up this devotional. It reinforces my need to practice my forgiveness toward others and remember that I have likely offended much worse at times. Thank you.
Ah yes, I’m with you! Over and over again God has to remind me of how much I have been forgiven. I’m grateful He does because it frees me from the burden of bitterness! Much love my brother in arms!