Forgiving others, being forgiven, and accepting the forgiving character of God all require a moment of vulnerability. It is not an easy thing to forgive and it is especially not an easy thing to forget. However, there is so much strength and courage in it.
First of all, comes forgiving others. We get this example from God and his endless forgiveness that gives us chance after chance. Yet as humans, we constantly mess up and make mistakes. We have a sinful nature that is inevitable from birth. But for that reason, I believe we need to forgive others, not just once, but as many times as it takes. This is not a common viewpoint in our society because we are selfish and tend to guard ourselves from pain and mistakes of others. Which trust me, is not all bad. However, forgiving others can be the first step to moving forward and can break down so many walls between people. It requires vulnerability to speak with the other person, courage to say what is needed, and strength to hold your stance and be kind.
From a different perspective, accepting forgiveness from others is also really difficult. It is not easy to move on from your own mistakes. It is also not easy to accept that someone else can forgive what you have done. However, properly accepting forgiveness is really important. It allows both people to come together, start moving forward, and hopefully create a better relationship. When people choose to be vulnerable, it is important to recognize. It isn’t easy to forgive and it is especially isn’t easy to say that out loud. So when others come to you with a forgiving heart there is a crucial decision to be made. Choosing to accept can be the first step of many.
Most importantly, and for me the most difficult, is accepting God’s endless forgiveness. I have to realize that everyday when I wake up and begin a new day, God forgives me. He renews me each day and sees me through the sacrifice of Jesus. While that is amazing beyond belief it isn’t easy to accept. I have a hard time knowing my sinful nature and how unworthy I am; yet accepting these forgiving qualities of God. I believe this however is extremely important, and further than that also forgiving yourself. We need to understand God’s character to the best of our ability and lean in to who he is. His forgiveness and daily renewal can bring so much joy, peace, and comfort if we only give Him the chance.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
