The Gift of Forgiveness
An unexpected package left on the front porch just waiting. Waiting to be discovered, opened, and treasured.
That is just like forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift. Sometimes it’s a long awaited gift. Sometimes it’s a surprise gift and not expected at all. Maybe it’s even undeserved.
A gift can be received or rejected. In either case lives are changed. A window will open and sunlight will pour in or shutters are drawn and the chill remains.
Forgiveness is powerful. It can pull down strongholds and crush negative thoughts. It can break chains and set captives free. Forgiveness heals wounds, deep wounds.
For a survivor of the Holocaust forgiveness may be the last imaginable thought. Standing face to face with one of the cruel Nazi guards, is forgiveness even possible? But when the never forgotten face of that particular guard asks for forgiveness, there is a choice. Unexpected forgiveness occurs. Shock, tears, release of pain and guilt. The gift of forgiveness sets them both free.
After walking, eating, and sitting at His feet for three years, Peter denied he knew Jesus. Jesus warned him that would happen. Peter is stunned and filled with grief at the realization that Jesus knew him so well. But after the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, Jesus prepares a meal for Peter at the beach. Jesus offers Peter forgiveness, food, and fellowship, and Peter accepts the gift of forgiveness.
A free gift is offered to all. While Jesus was hanging on the cross, He offered it to the two thieves. The free gift of eternal life with the opportunity to spend forever in heaven was offered. One rejected the gift, the other received it.
Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Jesus offers that gift of forgiveness to each of us. No matter what we have done, no matter the sin, big or small, Jesus offers forgiveness. We can’t earn it. We don’t deserve it. I accepted the free gift of forgiveness from Jesus. I opened the gift and found freedom, joy, and peace.
2 Corinthians 9:15 (AMP) Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!
As we celebrate Easter, it is a good time to consider why Jesus would willingly go to cross and be crucified. He gave up His life for you and for me.
Romans 6:23 - the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord