We all love to share stories of God’s Grace being extended to us, but it can be difficult for us to extend that same Grace to those who have done us wrong. It’s not easy to remember your story at the same time you are trying to forgive someone for what they have done against you. It’s difficult to consider how God has forgiven you for ALL your sins as you try to find a way to forgive others for their SMALL act toward us. Grace is so much more easily received than it is given toward other people. Our human nature finds it difficult to turn loose of hurt, pain, and emotions and replace these feelings with love, compassion, and grace toward those same people. Biblical forgiving is not a cheap term that happens instantly and everyone feels better. It takes real effort to forgive a person, really forgive a person. (Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.) Forgiving others starts with remembering how much we have been forgiven for in our lives. Forgiveness is relinquishing our right to get even with those who have wronged us. Real heart felt forgiveness means we respond with good to those who have done evil to us. Complete forgiveness is being able to repeat these efforts and thoughts as often as it takes. As I read this I asked myself this question. Have I really forgiven those who have hurt me? The only way to do so is to follow these four steps daily. Remember your story! Show grace to others! Pastor Don [image: image.png]