Eager to Forgive
“This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life,”
I’m not going to lie. There are people who I’d rather not run into in Heaven. Friends that have betrayed me, mentors that have hurt me, and some people who are just downright mean. Yeah, I could do without them on an eternal basis.
But even though my love for others is flawed, God’s isn’t. God is ready to forgive - He’s able. He promises that those who come to Him, who believe in Him, and who repent will have eternal life.
He’s always willing to offer mercy.
I’m not always willing. Or at least, I don’t always feel willing. When I take a step back, of course I don’t WANT anyone burning in hell, but the little forgivenesses are hard for me. But God doesn’t work that way. He’s always ready with mercy. The Father is eager to forgive.
Sisters, Jesus came by the will of the Father, for the will of the Father. And He lays out the Father’s will really clearly in this scripture - that all should come to believe so they may share in eternal life. Whatever unforgiveness you might be carrying around this quarantine - whether for politicians or countries or a frustrating family member or an old friend - maybe it’s time to be like the Father, to be like the One who is eager to forgive.
Father,
Thank You for being so generous with Your mercy. Thank You for being eager to forgive, for loving us too much to leave us the way we are.
God, help us to be like You, to be eager to forgive, eager to show mercy. Help us to offer mercy - even when we don’t feel like it.
God, we love You. Teach us how to love like You. Amen.