Once we make the commitment to follow Christ many things about life become simple and straightforward, much to our relief. Every time we find Christ saying “do this…” it is a signpost along the way, the neon sign we’ve been wanting that says HERE IS YOUR PURPOSE. But rather like Alice’s little notes in Wonderland that seemed clear enough, but led to unusual results, those signposts can become most difficult in everyday life; the thing is, often it’s not that I don’t know what to do, it’s that I’d rather not.

Forgiving is like that, and we ask right along with Peter… cautiously, feeling this matter out, to see just how far we have to take it: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21) There has to be a limit to this grace-giving, a time when justice wins out over mercy, right? And Jesus, who knows our hearts so well, says “…not seven times, but seventy-seven times” and haven’t you been listening to the story of the shepherd with one-hundred sheep? It was the one who was far away and causing trouble that he went out to find, not the ninety-nine that were right with him. It’s hard work and it is way out of your comfort zone and it keeps happening over and over, but grace has no limits.

So if I am serious about fulfilling my purpose– if I am honestly committed to following Jesus– then I must make the hard choice to forgive and trust God to sort it all out about who deserves what, in the end. Because He does promise that every man will give an account of his life, and He is the Judge of all the earth who will do what is right– which is a very sustaining thought when I am struggling to forgive yet again.

Lord, help me to forgive, because You died for these sins committed against me. I can think of no one better than You to handle the matter fully; forgive me for hanging onto these hurts in my desire to see justice. I know You will hold me accountable as well, and what You want me to do right now is to forgive. I choose again today to follow You, to follow Your directions, for my good and Your glory. Amen

“Forgiveness is not something we do for other people. We do it for ourselves– to get well and move on.” (unknown)

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)