Give Forgiveness

Today, I forgave a friend. It feels freeing in so many ways. I’d love to reflect on that today.

Forgiveness towards others is a gift, both to ourselves and to the one we’re forgiving. It truly does liberate, for both parties! Today, I’m grateful for the gift of forgiveness, and for so many reasons. For one, forgiveness is at the crux of what it means to be a Christian. It is something that we’ve been freely given by a good, good Father in heaven, and so we’re urgently compelled to extend forgiveness to others. It is the joy of a believer to forgive. And forgiveness frees us from the weight of grudges, withholding of love, and a lack of second chances.

What a beautiful thing, that second chances are at the heart of Christianity. And constantly. I’m given second chances daily, and life is a free gift anyways. We’re given so many chances to try again, to get it right the second time (or the hundredth time!), and we’re never turned down or disappointed by the One who makes all things new. At the heart of all this, there is a God who loves and forgives, for all who will but turn from old lifestyles, wrongdoings, and consistent mistakes to accept freely that peace and reconciliation with God. I’m so joyful, knowing that forgiveness is freely offered to those who will come and turn to Jesus.

There are tons of problems in our world today: so much divisiveness, turmoil, warfare, racism, bigotry, and so much more. If only we all knew the power of forgiveness, the joy of reconciliation, and the need for a Savior that comes to us with arms wide open. He relentlessly pursues His people!

I’m not here to say that forgiveness will solve all of life’s problems. But I can say with confidence today that it really can change your life for the better. It liberates, it brings freedom, it’s full of joy and peace! Reconciliation may not be in the cards for those who forgive, but deep down, giving the gift of forgiveness matters. And we all could use a little more of that in our lives.