Laws of Relating
Forging Forgiveness – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 103:10-14

Key Verse:  Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Continuing from yesterday, a second principle of forgiveness is found in Psalm 103:10 – “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”  Think about the things you have done wrong before God. Now think about what God would be justified in doing to you for those sins.  I think that should make all of us very grateful that God does not treat us as our sins deserve!

            Defining forgiveness is not easy, but this verse helps us know that part of forgiving is found in our behavior toward the person who hurt us.  As we relate to our relations, there will no doubt be times they offend you or hurt you with their words or actions.  When you forgive them, it will be your treatment of them from that point forward that defines the forgiveness in your heart!

            Forgiving someone means we do not treat them as they deserve.  Our flesh feels they deserve to be treated poorly in return for the hurt they did to us!  But our spirit must step up and demand of ourselves that we will give to them what God has given to us!  You may want to shun them, giving them the cold shoulder; maybe they deserve it in your estimation.  You may want to gossip against them, telling everyone what they did to you.  Forgive as Christ forgave you.

Father, I must have your help if I am going to truly forgive those who hurt me.  Grant me your strength to treat them with love and kindness!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.