Living Stone of FORGIVENESS

by Melissa Logan, CEO & President with the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina

Have you ever felt judged? Have you ever been hurt? Have you ever hurt someone’s feelings?

If you are like me, your answer is yes to all of the above: judgment, shame, embarrassment, anger and hurt. 

The hurt replays in my head, and even worse, lays a heavy burden in my heart.

Unfortunately, I'm not without sin; my actions and words have wreaked the same havoc on someone else, too. 

And yes, those replay and cause great regret.

We aren't always going to make the best choices or do the right thing. 

Thankfully, we have a great model to look to. We can look to the life of Jesus.

Recently I walked through the temple court area and sat on the steps leading up to space where Jesus met a woman accused of sin.

The scene replays in my mind of Jesus facing the scared woman there, writing on the ground with a non-judgmental attitude towards her.

Jesus makes it seem so simple; don't judge others – give grace.

Let's pause on the words of grace and forgiveness. 

We might think these just happen in our minds when we say, "I forgive you." 

However, it's deeper than that. 

Grace and forgiveness are also heart issues. 

Hurt, shame, sin - these happen in the heart, are costly, harmful and so heavy.

I find that while I'm able to give grace to others, I'm not as generous with myself. I'm working on it. 

How about you? What forgiveness of sins do you need to give yourself?

Releasing the emotional heart-hurt is freeing; it's uplifting in spirit, mind, and body. 

Our hearts and mind (and lives) were meant for joy, gratitude, love, and peace.

We have a choice on how we show up every day to ourselves, our family and friends, to the world, and most importantly to Jesus.

Choosing to show up with the grace of Christ allows you to shine the light of God’s forgiveness in the world.

May you be the light, like living stones who you drop the judge-stones, and may you choose grace every day.