Shine Like Stars: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

A Witness That Shines: God's stars forgive

Why is it so hard to forgive other people? There are many compelling explanations. Here's one. As any accountant could tell you, a debt owed to you is a type of asset. If you are holding a debt that someone else owes you, you have moral leverage over that person. You can feel superior, nobler, better than that person. If you give it away for nothing, you could feel as though you just squandered an asset.

How pathetic our grudges must seem to the One whose boundless mercy forgave a world of sinners. The chasm he bridged to reconnect holy God with sinful people is far greater than any gap between people. Christian star-behavior looks like this: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).

There's a treat for you here. Forgiving other people not only shows obedience to a direct command of God. It also frees you from the prisons and poisons of your own anger.