Ephesians 1:7 – “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace”

Brothers and Sisters,

Every one of us are sinners.  We have been united with Christ, and the victory has been won, but there is still sin in our fleshly nature that has to be battled daily.  It is because of this truth, that we will need to forgive and be forgiven from others until Jesus calls us home.

How can we as Christians, be marked by the love of God in forgiveness?  As with everything else, it must be not just outward forgiveness, but accomplished at a heart level.  Simply – we forgive because we know we have been forgiven.  God is infinitely holy, and we sin against God to various degrees every moment of every day.  But God demonstrates His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8).  Christ forgave all our sin past, present, and future.  The magnitude of this forgiveness is beyond our comprehension.  It literally cost God His life on the cross to accomplish.

Do you feel the weight of God’s forgiveness towards you?  How often are you thankful towards God for His grace towards you?

If you do feel the weight of the forgiveness of God towards you, that should overflow into a heart of forgiveness towards others.  Is there someone you need to forgive?  Hebrews 12:14-15 gives us a warning – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.  See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” 

My exhortation today is this.  Root your heart in Christ’s forgiveness towards you.  Seek God, and seek to be at peace with others, demonstrating the glory of God in Christ.  It will be healing to you, and glorify our Savior.

Grace and Peace,

Adam