Music Monday: {Forgiveness} by Matthew West

It seems we're never at a lose for opportunities to forgive.  Life is moving along nicely, and then we're slammed with one offense after another.  For me, it's usually my kids (namely my oldest), and sometimes my husband.  Other times, it's my sister, my dad, or some random person.  So basically, just about anyone.  Do I take the bait of offense, or do I choose not to let it bother me?

Betrayal, lies, disrespect, the mean, cruel, and harsh words that come from those we love most.  Whatever form the offense takes, forgiveness is the only way to set ourselves free from the "poison" that is unforgiveness.  It's hard.  I often don't *want* to forgive.  I've been deeply hurt.  What that person said to me seems truly unforgivable.  So I stew about it for days, replaying the hurtful words, and thinking to myself, "I am so NOT forgiving you!"  And while I'm at it, I'm not going to do anything nice for you, or even look at you.  I'm hurt, I'm angry -- I can't believe you said those words to me!

But then, that still small voice.  The remembrance of the cross.  My sin nailed to the cross by the creator of the universe.  Author of my salvation.  My redeemer.  Jesus.  He loves me.  He forgives me.  He paid a high price.  Out of love and obedience, I can forgive.  Not out of my own will, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  ~Ephesians 4:31-32

This songs truly speaks to my heart, and I pray that it blesses you today.  

It's the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don't deserve

It's the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word...

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 8-12