Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another Forgive as the Lord forgave you”
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Wow, it seems that is a hard thing for some to accomplish. Forgive? Forgive as the Lord Forgave? Are you kidding? Can anyone really do that? Surprise, for me, yes, yes, yes and yes. For others? I guess not.
I think that forgiveness of others is fairly easy for me. If someone wants my forgiveness, asks or indicates just that, I am honored they value my forgiveness. So, I grant it. I need to explore why I rarely think my own forgiveness is worthy.
What to do when there are expectations or boundaries expressed with forgiveness? And, what to do if the need for the forgiveness is unclear? How shocking to hear that someone wishes to forgive me when I am clueless as to my transgression. Unless it the same transgression I have previously asked forgiveness for numerous times and received? Is this a never ending process?
The father forgave and celebrated the homecoming of his prodigal son.
He did not say he would forgive and celebrate if….
He did not say he would forgive and celebrate when….
He did not have his son ask over and over……
Apparently this is a tougher lesson than it first appears. Forgive and celebrate?
I need to remember that the only forgiveness I have already received from our Father.
I look forward to the celebration He has planned!
a Silver Garden 