Winning and losing with grace is the key to being the kind of person that people want to be around, whether you are playing a game, working on a project or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. Learning to be gracious resides at the heart of the Christian life.
Graciousness begins with forgiveness. Grace is founded in the ability to recognize our need for forgiveness and our need to be forgiving toward others.
This may also be the single most difficult thing we are ever instructed to do as Christians. Time and time again, in my office, in coffee shops and in my own personal life, the issue of forgiveness finds its way to the center of many concerns.
This is where Jesus can help us. He reminds us that we will experience forgiveness to the extent that we are willing to forgive. For the Christian, forgiveness is the fuel that runs our engine. This is not always easy for us to embrace. Often, we are tempted (I know this personally as well as pastorally) to turn acts of forgiveness into bargaining chips and negotiations to get what we want in the long run, to stay ahead in the game (whatever the game might be).
Commenting on this idea Tom Long writes, “Forgiveness is not a matter of bookkeeping; it is part of a living relationship with God and others…Forgiveness is to the Christian life like breathing; constant and life-giving.”
Life is no easy task. Anyone who lives with any sort of compassion knows that there is brokenness everywhere. Sometimes the brokenness resides within your own soul. Many times the only way to heal that wound is through the balm of forgiveness.]
Peter asks Jesus “How often should I extend forgiveness?” Jesus says, “seventy times seven.” That is an enormous number. The point is clear. It is not about how often. It is not about bookkeeping. It is about a clear and conscious choice to both give and receive forgiveness.
Long concludes, “What we breathe in from God’s mercy we express to others. Exhale. Forgive us, as we forgive; as we forgive, forgive us.”
Peace to your path,
