Forgiveness is always easier to advocate than it is to put into practice. What does it look like? Listen as Susie welcomes back pastor and radio host Dr. David A. Anderson. We talk about God’s outrageous command to not only forgive those who have hurt us, but extend them grace.
What is the difference between forgiveness and for-grace-ness?
“I don’t say forgive and forget. I say forgive and remember – remember that you forgave them. That’s the process of healing – I forgive, I remember that I forgave… I forgive, then I remember that I forgave… until I heal. It does help you, but that’s not the primary reason we do it, in my opinion… we do it in order to stay in communion with Him. If I don’t forgive, it’s jamming me up spiritually.”
Forgiveness is the first level – releasing the person who’s wounded you to God. For-grace-ness is the second level – choosing to do good to them. What does this look like? Dr. Anderson explains.
“You’ve got to start with God. God is pleased by small acts of faith; if we can just say ‘Lord, I’m going to try to forgive but I’m going to do it by faith,’ God honors that and something is activated in the spiritual realm. It is wholly supernatural to be kind and bless those who are not kind to you and those who are cursing you.”
For-grace-ness is a product of spending time with the Lord and His people. When we open our eyes to our sin paired with His grace, it compels us to act with grace and love toward others.
David’s book is I Forgrace You.
Key Scriptures: Numbers 6:24-26; Ephesians 4:32
Featured Songs: Lord I Need You by Chris Tomlin; Glorious Unfolding by Steven Curtis Chapman; You Give Me Joy by Shannon Wexelberg
