GRACE TO FORGIVE

Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 PETER 4: 8 NIV

Whenever someone wounds you, it’s common to think about what they’ve done and nurture your hurt feelings. This is normal, but it’s not God’s will for you. The Father wants you to forgive. And He gives you an amazing example of forgiveness in David.

If ever anyone had a right to be angry, David did. As a young man, he saved Israel from the Philistines by slaying the giant Goliath. He served faithfully in King Saul’s court—playing music to soothe Saul’s troubled spirit and always expressing his unwavering loyalty. David did nothing wrong. Nevertheless, Saul was so jealous of David that he sought to kill him.

Did David grow bitter? No. He understood that just as he’d received God’s grace, he was also to extend it—no matter how hateful Saul was to him. And the Lord blessed David because of it.

Likewise, you’re called to forgive as freely as Christ forgave you. So don’t allow resentment to consume you. Instead, like David, let grace characterize your relationships. Because certainly, “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 8).

Jesus, please help me forgive freely. Fill my heart with love so I may honor You, amen.

In His presence . . . accept and extend grace.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F.. Every Day in His Presence (p. 217).