Grace to Forgive

In recent days, a distant  memory of a time when someone hurt me flitted through my mind.  Haven't thought of it in ages.....not sure why it popped up.  I spoke out my forgiveness afresh.  Doing that always helps to cleanse the pain.

I once heard someone say, "Forgiveness is not a case of holy amnesia that wipes out the past.  It is instead the experience of healing that drains the poison from the wound."  I like that description!  Draining the poison through forgiveness is wonderfully healing.

As I was thinking about all this, I couldn't help but think of the perfect example Jesus set for us in forgiveness - especially as we come to this Easter weekend.  He forgave incredible hurts and pains.....and He gives us grace to forgive.  It's powerful.

"If we do not forgive man their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."  Matthew 6:15

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you."  Psalm 86:5

"Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors."  Matthew 6:12

I am so very grateful for the death of Jesus on the cross, for His glorious resurrection, and the power of it in our lives!  I can never thank Him enough!  A blessed Easter to you!