#LIGHTtheWORLD Dec 21

Jesus forgave, forgives, and paid our sin.  What are we willing to do in return?  Can we be as forgiving?  He does not require us to suffer as He suffered, as long as we are willing to live has He asks us to live.

As I ponder events in my life, I will admit that forgiving is probably one of the hardest things to do.  It is easy to say, but so very hard to live.  

Challenge 1 - When I have been wronged and the person causing the injury asks for forgiveness.  It is easy to say the words, "I forgive you."  But do we really mean it.  How many times did your parent make you apologize and ask forgiveness as a child?  Did you mean it?  Did you or your sibling mean it when you said, "Sure, I forgive you."  If we say it, but continue holding it in our hearts, minds, mouths, and actions, it is as if it didn't happen.  I know I am guilty of this.  It is hard to let go of things sometimes.  It is easier to continue bad mouthing, embelishing, and magnifying the offense than it is to let it go.

Challenge 2 - When I have been unintentionally wronged or offended.  The person causing the hurt does not even know they have done it.  They are not going to ask for forgiveness.  How much harder is it to forgive, without anything to show for it?  As I reflect upon such moments in my own life, I realize that the hurt and offense, is many times created by me.  I am the one causing my own hurt and heartache.  I just need to let it go, brush it off, put on my big boy pants, move forward, but most importantly, do it without holding a grudge against the person who does not even know they have played a part in the act.

Challenge 3 - For me, the most difficult; forgiving myself for mistakes made.  We all make them.  But oh how hard it is to think that we are the only one who has ever made such a mistake, we beat ourselves up, tear ourselves down, distance ourselves from the Savior, and wallow in pity.  We have to be Christlike to ourselves first before we can be Christlike to others.  We have to follow the steps of repentance and remember that forgiveness is one of the most important steps.  He has already paid.  He will accept our offerings.  He will forgive and forget.  We must as well.