A thought by Andy Stanley (2009-08-22) in his book, It Came from Within!: The Shocking Truth of What Lurks in the Heart (p. 144). Multnomah Books. Kindle Edition.
Well
it is getting close. We will be opening
our gifts on Christmas Eve and watching our family in Colorado open their gifts
by Skype on Christmas night. This is the
season of giving gifts and receiving gifts.
Now
this gift of forgiveness is not one we think about giving at this time of the
year but if we do it has so much more far reaching benefit than most of the
gifts we receive and give. This is truly
the gift of freedom. It is both a
freedom to the giver and also to the receiver.
Forgiveness frees us from so much
pain.
But
here is the key. Forgiveness is not a
gift you give because you feel like it. Most
of the time the act you’re forgiving doesn’t deserve your forgiveness but you
chose to give it because Christ forgave you also undeservedly. It is a gift you give by choice because of
what He did for you.
But
you might say, I haven’t been forgiven by Him.
So the question then is, “have you asked Him to forgive you?” He said He would if you would ask Him. Then when you have been forgiven you are then
able to forgive someone else. They don’t
deserve it and you didn’t either but you chose to forgive because you have been
forgiven.
That is what this season is all about. It truly is a celebration of giving. So why not chose to give the gift of
forgiveness to one who doesn’t deserve it?
When you do you will receive for
yourself freedom from the prison of bitterness and resentment. By giving someone forgiveness you are giving
yourself freedom.
So why don’t you give it today?
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