Radical Grace

When was the last time you forgave someone?

When was the last time you were forgiven?

Forgiveness is not always easy. In fact, it is often tied to a lot of conflicting emotions. It may be possible to say, "I forgive you," but sometimes we continue to carry our grievances around with us. There will be times when our anger and frustration lash out at the world. Other times resentment will lurk deep inside of us, only surface in some very unexpected ways. 

I think about forgiveness everyday... Yes, it is a big part of my job as a pastor, but it is also a very big part of my family life. My two children are constantly knocking each other over, jumping on each other, and smashing one another's toes with the furniture. It doesn't really matter what they are playing... It usually takes about five minutes for everything to go off the rails! Then we work on apologizing. :)

Forgiveness is an important skill for anyone. However, my children know that they have to live with each other. They also know that we are going to insist that they say they are sorry... As stressful as life can be, it is such a joy to hear them tell each other they are "best friends." Especially when we know they mean it!

My kids know they are going to be living under the same roof. They also know they do really love each other, and forgiveness helps to remind them of that. Two thousand years ago, Jesus taught about God's Grace and Forgiveness. In some ways, the people living in those ancient times could not just walk away from each other either. If they were wronged, they could not just just dismiss the other. They had to find a way to work together. They literally needed each other.

We have a lot to be grateful for in our modern day society. At times, it is very important for us to draw boundaries with unhealthy individuals, but this can turn into an excuse that ignores God's gift of Grace. 

Today I hope we can take a little bit of time to think about our relationships. Where do we need to bring truth and grace to create something better? We all need relationships. As much as my two boys can become frustrated with one another, they also know they are better together. The same is true for the rest of us. God wants to be in relationship with us, and it is my prayer to honestly allow God's Grace to wash over us.

Blessings,

Brian