Sunday God Meets Monday MomChikamu

My three-year-old locked herself out of her room last week. While I have had my kids lock themselves in rooms several times, being locked out was a first. Everly turned the lock inside and then closed the bedroom door behind her on the way out.

When I asked her why she locked the door, she answered with her arms folded over her chest, “The only one allowed in my room is me.”

“Well,” I answered, “When you lock the door, it keeps everyone out, including you. Now you can’t go in your room, either.”

She didn’t like that idea at all. I left it locked for several hours. She really missed having access to her room. When I finally unscrewed the doorknob to get it open again, I explained that the room would be open to everyone, and she agreed.

READ

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV)

APPLY

We seem to have a similar attitude to my daughter with forgiveness. When we make mistakes, we rest on the fact that God’s forgiveness is complete and inexhaustible. What incredible grace that we can never out-sin God’s ability to forgive and restore!

The issue enters when the tables turn and others sin against us. Not being God, we aren’t as eager to extend the same grace to those around us. What we quickly forget, though, is that forgiveness is an open door. It is an invitation to remain in a relationship with God, waiting on the other side.

When we refuse to forgive those around us, we lock the door. We create a barrier not only for others but also for ourselves. In denying grace to our neighbors, we are excluding ourselves from forgiveness as well.

It is an interesting double standard that we do nothing to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness, and yet we feel that others should have to prove their worthiness in order to receive forgiveness from us. We cannot withhold what God gives us freely. And we cannot exclude others without excluding ourselves.

PRAY

Father, when I am having trouble forgiving others, remind me of the depth to which You have forgiven me. Help me see the offender with Your eyes. Give me the strength to extend the same grace that You do. Instead of allowing me to demand my rights, give me a heart of humility.

REFLECT

Who do I need to forgive today?