forgiveness can be a tricky word

I watched a movie the other night called the "Grace Card". In the movie one of the character says "it's easy to receive grace, but it's hard to give away."

That is SO True!! When I have done something wrong, I want to be forgiven! I ask my husband, my friends, my kids to forgive me. I really want want forgiveness or grace when I have messed up. However, when someone has wronged me, and I get to choose whether or not I want to give grace or forgive. It can be so hard to give!

This week in my bible study we have been talking about this. It has been very interesting to hear where other people find it hard to forgive others, is it because they have a "repeat offender" in their life that is always messing up, that makes it so hard to give grace. Or is it a matter that forgiveness is offered more easily depending on what the offense is. What or where do you see the line in your own life that makes giving grace hard.

I think grace or forgiveness can be hardest when the offender either does not claim responsibility for the offense or doesn't even care enough to apologize for the offense in the first place. However, I do realize that the bible tells us we are supposed to forgive others. We are to offer forgiveness over, and over again if necessary. I have come to understand that offering someone grace or forgiveness has nothing to do with them, but has everything to do with the condition of my heart. By offering forgiveness it keeps my heart soft, it keeps it loving, and not a hard little stone.

It does get easier the more often I fall to my knees to God and pray that he helps me forgive others instantly, instead of nursing a grudge for days, weeks, and um.. I am sure I have never held a grudge longer than a year. However, I am learning to trust him, and turn over even my brokeness to him and letting him give me peace and restore my soul. It is a hard but freeing process. I am definitely a work in progress.

Have you ever found it hard to give someone else grace or forgiveness? What do you do when you know that you need to forgive someone but you just don't "feel" like it? Do you find it easier to receive grace or give grace? I would love to know what you think about the subject, please leave me a comment, I love comments!