YES, YOU'RE FORGIVEN... NOW WHAT ABOUT ME?
Sometimes, let's be honest... we give grace just because it's the right thing to do. Someone really does deserve to be punished, but you know that they deserve to receive grace even more. So maybe you don't even think twice about it, and don't even consider what's been done wrong, or even how often it's been done wrong. You think back to the innocent man being nailed to a cross for the forgiveness of your sins-- and not JUST your sins, but those of others as well.
And to be honest, I think that's a pretty good habit to be in-- loving and forgiving all people, and not having a little list of sins inscribed on your heart that contain the faults of others. First Corinthians 13:4-5 states that:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
-NIV
I want to focus on two parts in particular today, that love is patient, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
First. Love is patient. Here, I picture love being some elderly lady that makes cookies for everyone. Who, instead of yelling at the "ruckus" outside her lawn, decides to invite the ruckus in for cookies and milk. She doesn't just jump the gun and start accusing. She's patient, and loving, and caring toward all people.
And then there's the infamous "it keeps no record of wrongs" phrase. Which, in my opinion, is a little confusing. I'd like to think that God only sees the good stuff I do, and closes His eyes when I do wrong. But He sees everything, and He knows I'm going to do it before I even do it... so this one is a little harder.
Maybe the elderly lady portrayal is a little off. God isn't so blind that He doesn't see out mistakes, because He's our Father. And most fathers will teach and instruct their children, and help them learn from their mistakes. That doesn't mean God has a list for everyone, and keeps a tally for each sin we commit. But since He cares about us and wants the best for us, it's natural for Him to instruct us, right?
He helps us along the way. He forgives us, of course, but sometimes He needs us to learn a lesson from our sins, too. So He's patient with us, and He doesn't hold grudges forever, He helps us learn from sins instead :)
With all of this in mind, I hope I've established that God loves you. No matter what you've done. And remember that paragraph about giving people grace, just cuz'? Well guess what?
It's okay to give yourself grace every once in a while, too.
I know. I'm blowing your mind.
But God knows we make mistakes, and He will help us grow from them. He sent His Son so we could be free, and we are. I am.
You are.
So trust in Him, and go in peace.
Sometimes, let's be honest... we give grace just because it's the right thing to do. Someone really does deserve to be punished, but you know that they deserve to receive grace even more. So maybe you don't even think twice about it, and don't even consider what's been done wrong, or even how often it's been done wrong. You think back to the innocent man being nailed to a cross for the forgiveness of your sins-- and not JUST your sins, but those of others as well.
And to be honest, I think that's a pretty good habit to be in-- loving and forgiving all people, and not having a little list of sins inscribed on your heart that contain the faults of others. First Corinthians 13:4-5 states that:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
-NIV
I want to focus on two parts in particular today, that love is patient, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
First. Love is patient. Here, I picture love being some elderly lady that makes cookies for everyone. Who, instead of yelling at the "ruckus" outside her lawn, decides to invite the ruckus in for cookies and milk. She doesn't just jump the gun and start accusing. She's patient, and loving, and caring toward all people.
And then there's the infamous "it keeps no record of wrongs" phrase. Which, in my opinion, is a little confusing. I'd like to think that God only sees the good stuff I do, and closes His eyes when I do wrong. But He sees everything, and He knows I'm going to do it before I even do it... so this one is a little harder.
Maybe the elderly lady portrayal is a little off. God isn't so blind that He doesn't see out mistakes, because He's our Father. And most fathers will teach and instruct their children, and help them learn from their mistakes. That doesn't mean God has a list for everyone, and keeps a tally for each sin we commit. But since He cares about us and wants the best for us, it's natural for Him to instruct us, right?
He helps us along the way. He forgives us, of course, but sometimes He needs us to learn a lesson from our sins, too. So He's patient with us, and He doesn't hold grudges forever, He helps us learn from sins instead :)
With all of this in mind, I hope I've established that God loves you. No matter what you've done. And remember that paragraph about giving people grace, just cuz'? Well guess what?
It's okay to give yourself grace every once in a while, too.
I know. I'm blowing your mind.
But God knows we make mistakes, and He will help us grow from them. He sent His Son so we could be free, and we are. I am.
You are.
So trust in Him, and go in peace.
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