UNPACK This...Forgiving One AnotherSample

Contemplating Death

The untimely death of former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, reminds us how quickly we can lose someone we care about. Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy for us to consider what matters most, and to make some necessary changes in our lives.

The sense of urgency to forgive and reconcile was taken to heart by former NBA center, Kendrick Perkins, who had been feuding with Kevin Durant. He put an end to their conflict shortly after Kobe’s passing by tweeting, “Just wanted to tell you I love you my brother and whatever I did to hurt you I’m sorry bro and hope you forgive me!

Perkins went on to explain in an interview with NBC Boston’s, Gary Tanguay, how their friendship was more valuable than keeping a Twitter beef going: “…I also wanted the world to see, hey, if you having problems with a loved one, a friend, a family member, whoever, hey, life is too short. The next 60 seconds is not promised. Nip that in the bud and heal those wounds with those people that you love and get past it. That’s what I wanted to do.”

As followers of Jesus, forgiveness, and grace should flow from us because His death on the cross changes everything. When we contemplate Jesus’ death (and resurrection) and the free gift of salvation He made available to us, it changes our perspective on forgiveness.

God shows undeserving grace by forgiving us and setting us free from the penalty of sin, so we, in turn, need to forgive those who hurt us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 tells us, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Jesus not only made a way for us to be forgiven but made a way for us to forgive. Life is short, so let's stop waiting. Today, let’s look to the cross as a reminder of the forgiveness we’ve been given…and rely on Him to help us forgive others.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m filled with thankfulness for the forgiveness You’ve shown me. Please allow me to forgive those who hurt me. Help me ask for forgiveness from those I’ve hurt. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.