Forgiveness and Life

Did you know that I am horribly imperfect? I'm sorry to disappoint those of you who were convinced I am perfect, but I assure you I am not. I mess up all of the time. I say things I shouldn't or don't say what I should. I don't work as hard as I ought to. I know I am so imperfect.

So why would a person who messes up frequently have such a horrible time forgiving someone? You see I had an "incident" happen right before we got out for Easter. It involved one of my students. I'm not going to say what happened, but it hurt me. Not physically, but it caused me to distrust.

I became so mad. It's funny, someone had just mentioned that morning that I am the kind of person to want justice done. Of course, this situation was no different. I wanted justice. I wanted the person to be punished. Unfortunately, the situation happened with no witnesses. The person could not be punished as a result.

It's taken me awhile to realize it, but I slowly began to think: what if everyone I wronged had wanted justice done to me? What if my employer never left and margin for error in my work? Or what if my friends never let my mistakes go?

I have had a friend since I was seven who has forgiven me despite my short-comings for the past almost seventeen years. She's great at forgiveness. I can do or say something that I absolutely shouldn't have done. Then she will forgive me right after I ask for forgiveness. From what I can see there is no desire to make me pay.

Of course we can also look at the greatest example of someone paying someone's debts. Jesus, being holy and perfect, not only chose to forgive me but He took on my punishment too!

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-15 (NKJV)

Thank You, Jesus. Thank you for being infinitely holy. Thank You for giving me forgiveness I don't deserve. Thank You for paying my debt. May I become more like You.