Walking With LionsSample

It takes enormous courage and confidence to be good at confessing our own flaws and forgiving people for theirs, and few of us have acquired these abilities. But we’re experts at minimizing (“It wasn’t that bad”), excusing (“I couldn’t help it"), and blame-shifting (“It was her fault, not mine!”). But none of these strategies get us where we need to go. In fact, they’re effective roadblocks in every relationship where we use them—with God and with the people we claim to love. Actually, we’re eager to confess when we’re convinced we’re forgiven, washed clean, and deeply loved by Jesus. When we experience that level of forgiveness, it’s safe for people to confess their sins to us so we can assure them that Jesus has already forgiven them.

Pastor Matt Chandler said, “Love says: I’ve seen the ugly parts of you, and I’m staying.’”

Lions are in the messy but necessary process of exposing their own flaws and experiencing true forgiveness. That’s how they can forgive those who hurt them.

• Jesus, overwhelm me with the reality of Your forgiveness. Let it seep into the crevices of my heart so I really believe it. Then I’ll want to confess, and then I’ll be good at forgiving others.