Perfection? No. Forgiveness? Yes!

As Christians, we are not to strive for perfection. That is an unattainable goal. Instead, we are to strive to do our best in everything that we do. When our earthly flesh fails us and we don't do our best, God's grace covers us. He's got our back! All we have to do is ask for forgiveness and His amazing, merciful love redeems us. Even if our apology is not accepted by the humans we have failed, God knows our heart and will give us the grace to overcome.

When someone hurts us, we are to forgive them, even if they never ask for forgiveness or feel justified in hurting us. To withhold forgiveness mocks the grace of our salvation, the crucifixion of our perfect, sinless Lord Jesus Christ, who died to free us from our sins. There is nothing more liberating than forgiving someone, and even more so when they don't seek forgiveness. When we forgive the sins of our fellow man, we are allowing God to free us of bitterness that will surely seep into our soul, torment us and prevent us from doing God's will. When we forgive others, we are demonstrating God's love for the world to see. We are LIVING the legacy of love that our Lord has called us to live.

Several years ago, I forgave someone for some very hurtful things, and it wasn't easy. It took me many months to get to the point where I COULD forgive. And I was miserable until I did. God was dealing with my heart the entire time, making me realize that I was holding others to a higher standard than God set out for mankind. After all, who am I to be unforgiving, when I have so much for which to be forgiven?

This life is too short to hold grudges and have an unforgiving spirit. Laugh often. Love much. Forgive always!