Sunlight and Shadows

Encouragement for the Week 🌟

Embracing Forgiveness in God's Grace

The sun’s rays had just peeked through the kitchen window, its warmth on my face and reminding me of the spring weather in the days ahead. Closing my eyes and taking in the goodness of that light deep into my soul, I suddenly felt the coldness of the shadow dimming my eyes. It reminded me of my past wrongs trying to dim the lights of my present. Ever felt that way? It’s in these moments that I often struggle with not only seeking and receiving God’s forgiveness, but also extending and accepting the forgiveness of others in my life.

While I know and remember the promise in 1 John 1:9 that He is faithful to forgive and cleanse our sins if we confess them to Him, I tend to forget that promise in our earthly relationships too. After all, isn't it a call to action to mirror that grace? To seek and receive that promise? Thoughts that crossed my mind and echoed in my soul this past week. 

Forgiveness is the bridge built between hurt and healing, and it requires the courage to both offer and to open our hearts to it. Whether it's with those who walk beside us daily or with those who have left footprints in our journey and moved on, each step toward forgiveness is a step towards peace.

In my human nature, I still struggle to untangle the knots of past grievances, but I also want to learn to reach out with an olive branch where bridges seem burned. God’s work of forgiveness in us is not complete until it flows through us. It's in the giving and receiving of forgiveness that we truly reflect His grace.

I pray God’s warmth of His Son continually shines on you, but should the shadow of past mistakes ever try to dim your light, I pray you find the strength to forgive and be forgiven. With each act of forgiveness, may your heart grow lighter, your spirit brighter, and your walk with God stronger. May your life be a testament to the power of grace that knows no end.

Much Love and Blessings,

Ramzi