When I don’t want to forgive someone else, the last thing I look at is my own sin.
Forgiveness is hard. It’s one of the hardest things to do in life. I’d like to think it’s only hard for those that don’t know the love of Jesus. But the truth is, it’s hard for those that do know Him as well.
When I have had struggles in forgiving someone else, the only thing that can break my heart of hearts is to remember the forgiveness I’ve been given. I once heard someone say, “You can only understand the depth of His forgiveness when you understand the depth of your sin.” That is part of the problem for me. When I don’t want to forgive someone else, the last thing I look at is my own sin; I only want to focus on my “offender’s” sin.
Praise be to God for breaking through with His Holy Spirit and reminding me by conviction that I, too, have great sin. I will never fully understand the depth of my sin. But, by the conviction of my heart, I can once again remember what Christ has given for me; and not just for me, but for everyone. It is only by His grace that I am forgiven, and it is only by His grace that I can forgive. I am so very thankful for my Savior’s forgiveness.
I am also so very thankful for His love that doesn’t give up on showing me my own sin. I’m thankful for His great mercy so that I can share that same forgiveness with others. I’m reminded of a song by Sandra McCracken that so beautifully displays His gorgeous grace:
In every station, new trials and new troubles
Call for more grace than I can afford
Where can I go but to my dear Savior
For mercy that pours from boundless stores.
Grace upon grace, every sin repaired
Every void restored, you will find Him there
In every turning He will prepare you
With grace upon grace.
He made a way for the fallen to rise
Perfect in glory and sacrifice
In sweet communion my need He supplies
He saves and keeps and guards my life.
To Thee I run now with great expectation
To honor You with trust like a child
My hopes and desires seek a new destination
and all that You ask Your grace will provide.
Grace upon grace, every sin repaired
Every void restored, you will find Him there
In every turning He will prepare you
With grace upon grace
Listen to “Grace Upon Grace” by Sandra McCracken
