Have you been hurt badly? Do you think the offence should not be pardoned? Do you think God should not extend grace to your offender? I hear you. It is hard to understand why God would offer grace for all sinners. But he does. Because he loves us. TheBible tells us:

And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world. (1 John 2:2, AMP)

God sent his only son to die for our sins so everyone who believes in Jesus could made right with God. God wants everyone to be saved. God wants to offer grace to all sinners. No matter how awful the committed sins are. However, this does not mean that sins would be okay. We are called to holiness, not to flirt with the world.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, AMP)

For the wages of sin is death. There’s no way around it but Jesus. His sacrificial death for our sins is the only way anyone of us can be forgiven. When we turn to God in repentance and ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name, the blood of Jesus washes us clean. God’s grace is all-powerful. By God’s grace we are free indeed.

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. (1 John 1:9, AMP)

This is valid for all believers throughout the whole world. Also for your offender. God does not say sinning against you was okay. Sinning is never okay. But all sinners who repent will receive grace upon grace no matter how big their sin is. It might not feel fair to you but an offence is an offence. A sin is a sin. And Jesus had to die for our sins, everyone of them. Even for the smallest one.

(If you struggle with forgiving your offender, here’s the process of forgiving in four steps). The blood of Jesus is our only hope. But that hope never disappoints.

 

Gracious God,
Forgive us for wanting revenge.
Forgive us for wanting to take punishment into our own hands.
Forgive us for thinking we are better than others.
Thank you for sending Jesus to die for our sins.
Pour out so much grace that we become generous.
Pour our so much grace that we are ready to forgive others.
Pour out so much grace that we need.
Make us holy like you.
Make us loving like you.
Make us gracious like you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Do you struggle with the idea of God extending grace for all sinners, even your offenders? What has helped you to become forgiving and gracious?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you forgive and extend grace to your offenders!

Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Small Wonders, and#InspireMeMonday.