Forgiveness is like the sun reflecting on the water. It makes everything it touches sparkle.
(Picture by Lisa R. Everglades National Park)

The lyrics go something like this: “Cause we all make mistakes sometimes and we all step across that line, but nothing’s sweeter than the day we find FORGIVENESS.”

This is one of my favorite songs by Tobymac (Forgiveness ft. Lecrae). It was one of the best discoveries I have made. Why? Well…I am learning the importance of forgiveness, and not the act of receiving it, as much as the giving of it. We all want to be forgiven but many times are ridiculously stingy about handing it out. Which is ironic since the real release and growth comes from the” giving of”, rather than the “getting of”. This means letting go of the offenses that others commit against us. Forgive and and as much as depend on you…FORGET (yes, I know it is easier said than done). Equally as important is letting go of our own offenses. Have you ever been forgiven, but you still feel unforgiven? Want to know why? We are our biggest critics, we are harder on ourselves than anyone could ever be. But that’s the dividend of forgiving others, as we learn to forgive others we learn to forgive ourselves as well.

Someone once said to me: “If I forgive you, but you don’t forgive you. What’s the use?” He who has been forgiving much must himself forgive much…just don’t forget to include yourself.

(This was my post exactly one year ago today, ironically circumstances reminded me of this very lesson one year later).

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25).

What’s my plan of attack? To continue giving and receiving forgiveness.