cobbjann

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable
because God has forgiven
the inexcusable in you.*
C.S. Lewis

When I read this I did not like it!
Not because I dislike God forgiving me, but rather because I fall so short in forgiving others.

Through the years we all have been hurt by people. The list varies for all of us.

We may have experienced

Abuse, alcoholism, affairs, anger, abandoned
Beatings, backstabbing, belittling
Cruelty, cheating, coldness
Divorce, death, denials
Emptiness, envy
Failures, foolishness, fighting
Gossip,
Hidden agendas, hopes dashed

I could go on and on.

I am right there with you. Even after I have asked for God to help me to forgive someone, that intense feeling still remains. I have cried out to God more times than anyone knows, "What they have done is inexcusable"!

Gently, softly I hear His voice, "forgive, as I have forgiven you." Colossians 3:13 So I try again to forgive and move on. This is not easy for me and has taken so long to see any growth in.

Just the other day I drove by a place that usually filled me with anger. This day, this wonderful day, I felt nothing! Oh the joy of freedom from that hold on me!

On the other hand, I am still struggling with one particular hurt! This time when I cry out that their behavior is inexcusable I hear His voice saying to me "Let it go, my grace is sufficient". II Corinthians 12:9

I am selfish! His grace is sufficient, but I have not wanted to extend that grace to others. I am the one who has acted in an inexcusable way!

Father, you have been so gracious and patient with me. Forgive me for being ungrateful! Change my inexcusable behavior and attitude. Fill me to overflowing with your grace and forgiveness that is extended to others. Thank you for your freedom that you grace gives. Jann