Flexible Forgiveness

This is another great article from today's Daily Focus.  This is something Chad and I really try to focus on with our boys.

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins" (Isaiah 43:25).

I was always thankful as a homeschooling parent that God designed children to be flexible. Every day I saw my children survive falls and painful bruises that would have made me ache for days. Their ability to bounce back physically from rough and tumble wrestling matches and foolish dare-devil antics was amazing. Even more amazing, however, was the way my children bounced back from emotional hurts. When the stress of the homeschooling day "got to me," I repeatedly found myself seeking their forgiveness for my unloving words and impatient actions. Each time my children would quickly say, "That's OK, I understand," and everything would be forgotten. Humbled by their gracious words, I knew my forgiveness wouldn't have come so easily if someone had treated me the same way.

As wonderful as a child's forgiveness may be, the forgiveness we receive from our heavenly Father is far greater. The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross makes forgiveness of sin possible, but only those who receive Christ's forgiveness have the privilege of being called God's children (John 1:12). Each day God's immeasurable grace is poured out to us, and we receive the blessing of knowing our sins are remembered no more.

Are you dealing with an emotional hurt that has been causing you severe pain? Is your heart flexible enough to bounce back and forgive the person who has wronged you? If not, learn the lesson of flexible forgiveness from your children and extend the same hand of grace that was given to you. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).

Father, thank You for Your forgiveness that also forgets my sin. Please help me give that same love and forgiveness to those who have wronged me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.