My Word is My Bond

Now picture this: What if, in my present situation, I asked to be forgiven just because it would be a good thing to encourage a judge to show more compassion in his sentencing? How do you think I would be perceived?  Something of a fake with no sincerity, honesty or integrity. Right? I would not be capable of loving. Then what kind of representation would I be of God's righteousness, his grace, or his judgment? It would be a mockery to Him. . .

Now just because one asks for forgiveness, it does not exonerate them from the consequence of their actions.  This is where his righteousness comes in. It shows God is faithfully just. Because I have broken away from his intention for my life, there is a price I have to pay.  Just as there is a price for sin, I must pay a price for my actions also. . . 

Jesus comforts us through our struggle while the storm rages -- even to the point where our frail vessel is about to break.  He's there to guide us through the storm. . .

So if he can forgive us, imagine how much it can do for our daily interactions with loved ones, or even our enemies when we forgive them. . .

Forgiveness heals relationships . . . at the place where it was cut; and they can continue to heal and mature from there.