The more I think about the forgiveness we’ve received from Christ, the more counter-cultural I notice that gracious reality is. In a world where everyone is harshly judged and defined by past choices we’ve made, there’s little to no room for error to gain the approval of the world. It’s brutal. It’s relentless. It’s exhausting.
But I’m so thankful to God that He pours out His mercy and forgiveness on me unconditionally…without any hoops to jump through, formula to follow, or extensive ritual to recite. His peace comes from surrendering and receiving…something a to-do list lover like me has a hard time resting in. He’s done all the work. His grace is so much more than anything I could ever conjure up or earn myself. I need to simply focus on receiving His forgiveness instead of trying to work harder for it. It’s freeing!
Lord, please help me remember these passages when I’m feeling low, tired, or full of shame. Please help me extend the same grace and forgiveness to others…seeing them as forgiven new creations just as You see and made me.