A Reflection for the Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

When I think of forgiveness, I think of God's patience and mercifulness. God is willing to forgive each and every one of us for our deepest and darkest sins because God loves us. I'm so grateful for God's merciful heart because God frees me from the chains of my own personal sin. If God can forgive us, why can't we forgive others? 

In Mathew 18:21-35, Jesus tells us a parable about debt and forgiveness. We learn that since God forgives us for our sins, we should seek to forgive others. God knows that it's best for us to forgive others because holding on to resentment fills our hearts with pain and sorrow. We can be consumed with resentment so much so that it interferes with our daily lives. You could be having a lovely day filled with joy but the instant your mind wanders to a thought of resentment, you are filled with negative emotions. You become distracted from appreciating the joyful moments happening around you.

Let's be honest here, forgiveness is hard. Even now as I write this, there are people in my life who I've yet to forgive. Having that grudge in my heart drains me and scatters my thoughts.

In times when it feels hardest to forgive, lean on to God. Think of someone who you have yet to forgive and pray that God will give you the wisdom and strength to forgive this person. Ask God to remind you of God's own kind, loving and forgiving heart. Once we take steps towards forgiveness, our minds will feel clearer, our feet lighter and our hearts will be open to God's endless love and mercy.