Forgiveness is something we are given by God, not earned by our efforts. Thus we should forgive others not because they deserve it, but because we give it to them.

Think about the word, forGIVEness.  The word GIVE is at the center of the word forGIVEness.  God forGAVE us on the cross.  When we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart in Jesus we are GIVEN the gift of salvation.  It is a free gift that God GIVES to those who call on His name.  It is in the nature of God to GIVE.  He GAVE us His son, He GAVE us salvation, He GAVE us freedom, He GAVE us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.

God is a GIVER.  ForGIVEness is something that we do not deserve or do not earn, it is something God GIVES us because of His great love.  So don’t feel guilty if you DO NOT deserve forGIVEness, that is the whole point, to be in NEED of something only God can GIVE.  Sometimes we feel we are not worthy of forGIVEness, especially after the 100th time repeating our mistakes.  But understand that forGIVEness is something we receive BECAUSE we are not worthy.  We would not need forGIVEness if we were worthy, it is because of our unworthiness that God initiated forGIVEness to us.  So don’t reject forGIVEness, or you are in danger of rejecting God’s precious gift to us.  God forGIVEs us, so make sure you forGIVE yourself, and certainly forGIVE others.  Give yourself forGIVEness, because God GAVE it to you to use.  ForGIVE others, because God GAVE it to you to GIVE to others.  ForGIVEness is a gift, CHOOSE IT and USE IT.

Be a GIVER by giving forGIVEness!!!