Finding the Joy in ForgivenessSample

Forgiveness does not grow out of our ability to forgive as much as it grows out of our realization of how much God has forgiven us. When we realize the pile of sin that we have been forgiven from, our attitude should be in a better place to forgive others. When we see how much our sin breaks the heart of God, but He forgives us anyway. We are better able to forgive someone else who has hurt us and broken our hearts, because of what Christ has done for us.

Forgiveness is not given because the person deserves to be forgiven. Instead, forgiveness is extended because the person does not deserve it, but we can show grace to them. If they deserved it, it would not be grace showing forgiveness but duty showing obligation.

How can we forgive like that? Did not God extend to us that same kind of grace showing forgiveness that we did not deserve? The better question is: in light of all that God has forgiven me for, how can I not offer a similar grace of forgiveness to someone else who has sinned against me?

Do you hold grudges? Why?