Is this the hardest part?

Up to this point, I have seen from this passage in 2 Cor. 5 that being an imitator requires me to die, to live for God rather than self, to see others with a new perspective, and to recognize my dependence on the Father. Verse 19 may well be the thing that causes the biggest struggle for many of us. "namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

Forgiveness: something I am extremely grateful for in light of the fact that I was hopelessly lost and dead in my sin until I experienced God's forgiveness, but something I find it difficult to offer to others. However, God's desire for me is that I would fully understand His forgiveness so that I too can be a forgiver. This verse tells us that God does not count our sins against us. I love Psalm 103, and gratefully read the words of verses 10-12; "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." It is impossible for me to fully comprehend how a holy God could give such a gift to us, but He does, and not just once, but many times. His love for us is so amazing. His grace knows no boundaries. His forgiveness is as sure as the rising of the sun.

Too often I have the response of Peter, who asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" We are all familiar with Jesus' response, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." The following parable goes on to show how ridiculous it is for we who have been forgiven of such a great debt to withhold forgiveness to anyone. And yet I often do just that. 1 John 1:9 says, "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I think the most amazing part of this is that God is faithful to forgive. It is not that He will think about forgiving us, or might forgive, but He will. It is intrinsically wrapped up in who He is. And when I accept His mission as a messenger of reconciliation, and actually forgive others, I reflect His glory to a world in desperate need.

So, if I am to be an imitator, I need to allow forgiveness to become a part of the tapestry of my life. A tall order for today!