Lenten Lessons -- Day 21

Today's Scriptures: Daniel 3:25-28; Matthew 18:21-35

In the Daniel passage we see how a miraculous intervention on God's part leads Nebuchadnezzar to a change of heart. In the Matthew passage we see that God's mercy is always available, but only to those what themselves are merciful and forgiving.

Forgiveness is hard. It involves loving other people in spite of any wrongs they have done against us. When we forgive, we don't deny the hurt we have received. We don't deny that it was wrong. We don't pretend nothing happened. But we do acknowledge that there is more to the offender than the offense. We love them in spite of the offense.

Why forgive them? Because God has forgiven us and God has created us in His own image. If God forgives (and we are created in His image) it is necessary for us to forgive as well. We are called to love and forgive. Not once, not twice, but as many times as it takes! This is not easy, but it IS what we are called to be and to do. Who do you need to forgive today?