June 10

Written by Bill Grandi on June 10th, 2021

We are forgiven to forgive.

We are given grace to give grace.

Those are just a couple of sayings that we will hear and that ran through my mind this morning.

Tragedy: it is too easy to forget and too often done.

My thoughts were piqued this morning because of the Scripture in Matt.18:23-33.  (I’d like to suggest you stop now and read that passage). However, just in case you are short on time, here is a summary: Jesus tells the story of a man who owed a massive, unpayable debt; begs forgiveness; the debt is cancelled; and he moves on. He moves on to a fellow slave you owes him a small debt-payable over time- who asks for the same grace and forgiveness just offered to the other. The other man refuses to forgive and throws the man in jail. (I’ve always wondered how that will help pay the debt). Anyway, the result was not good.

It is important to remember that the grace I have been given is to be given to others. The massive “forgiveness project” which took place from God to me should stand as an example for me to follow when dealing with others.

Think about this with me for a moment. The best person to reach an addict is a recovering addict. The best one to show forgiveness is the one who has been shown forgiveness.

“Father, help me to learn from Jesus’ parable.  Help me to be the one who shows extraordinary grace and forgiveness to someone else because I have the recipient of that same grace and forgiveness.”

 

4 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S. says:

    Forgiveness can be difficult in both directions. Being willing to release someone of from the grudges, the wrongs that have been done.
    Being willing to accept the forgiveness being offered, knowing the wrongs committed, the pain caused, the trust lost.

    We have been shown the ultimate example of forgiveness through Christ. We have been shown the example of receiving forgiveness by most of the people written about in the Bible.

    We all have been forgiven… and as you prayer states… we also need to continue that forgiveness and grace. We can’t let it stop with just our receiving like the servant…

    Good reminder this morning to keep the “forgiveness project” moving.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      your thoughts are spot on Ryan. Forgiveness is essential both ways-giving and accepting. Let’s keep that “project” alive.

  2. If we would focus on how much we have been forgiven, it should be easier to readily forgive others.
    Blessings, Bill!