Forgive means to wipe the slate clean. It reminds us that God’s grace is like a warm, wet washcloth on a chalkboard. It washes away every last speck of sinful residue on our lives.
The Bible reminds us that forgiveness is both vertical and horizontal. We receive forgiveness vertically from God through the cross of Christ and we extend forgiveness horizontally to people that hurt us and disappoint us.
As our slates are wiped clean by the shed blood and broken body of Jesus we also wipe the slate clean with others around us. In a very real way, our debt of sin has been paid for by Christ’s perfect sacrifice. Therefore we can forgive the debt of sins done against us by our enemies our friends and our family members.
In what ways do you need to receive forgiveness today? Likewise, in what ways do you need to extend forgiveness today?
- Thank God for his offer of forgiveness through the cross of Christ.
- Ask for forgiveness as the Spirit leads you.
- Ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt you or disappointed you.