Forgiven So That I Can Forgive

At Partners in Hope gatherings we love to sing.  We sing at 12-Step meetings, outreach breakfasts, training meetings….wherever we are, we love to sing.  One song we love to sing celebrates the forgiveness of God that changes us and gives us not only a new life for ourselves, but experience, strength, and hope to share with others. 

This song reminds us that we come close to God, who is holy and loving.  In His beautiful presence we recognize that we have problems -- we have sinned and fallen short of life as God intended.  We are reminded that Jesus chose to do what was needed to provide healing, forgiveness, and new life for each one of us -- even though we don't deserve it.  God loves us.  God is committed to a loving relationship with each of us.  God lays down His life, makes the greatest sacrifice so you and I can have life.

Powerful words.  A humbling and freeing experience.  We've been forgiven so much. We are nuts if we waste the grace God makes available so freely to us.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:47-48 NIV)

We are lost in arrogance if we don't forgive as we've been forgiven. The greatest love of all is ours in the forgiving love of Jesus.  My heart is forever changed by His forgiving grace. How about yours?  Let's live in that forgiveness today, receiving it freely from Jesus and offering it freely to others.

And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one." (Luke 11:4 NIV)

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