And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. – (Matthew 6:12, NLT)
Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. – (Matthew 6:12, ERV)
Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. – (Matthew 6:12, TPT)
Yesterday morning, we were up fairly early, and had plenty of time to finally finish watching “The Shack”, before we needed to get ready to go to church. What stood out to me in the final hour of the movie was the powerful impact that the decision to forgive had on the life of the main character. “The Shack” beautifully illustrated how forgiveness is often not a one-and-done decision, but rather it is an ongoing journey that we make a thousand times, choosing to forgive again and again, each time the pain enters our awareness. Though not an easy path to traverse, the healing that comes is well worth the work. As the main character, Mackenzie, made the most difficult decision of his life to choose to forgive one who had brought such incredible pain to his entire family, he was granted forgiveness of his own that set him free from a weight he had carried most of his life. It was a powerful reminder that we all have a story and each one of us needs to choose to forgive. May we seek the Lord to see others through His lens, so that we may be quick to forgive and love well.
Let us choose forgive,
For it shall be done;
With equal measure,
Through the Holy One.
We are forgiven,
As we freely choose;
To give all to God,
Let His Spirit move.
For His grace and love,
Bring healing and life;
He mends broken hearts,
Brings peace where there’s strife.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Thank You that You forgive us as we choose forgive others. Thank You that we never have to forgive on our own, but rather You walk beside us and grant us the strength, peace and love to do the seemingly impossible. Forgive us for all of the times that we have withheld forgiving others. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to forgive as You have forgiven us. Lead us to love with Your grace and goodness that breaks down barriers and brings peace to places that need to know it most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to forgive others as You have forgiven us. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth (Moreno) Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. – Psalm 130:4