The Cost of Forgiveness

I often say, "Please forgive me" so glibly that I give little thought to the deep suffering my words or actions may have caused others and the resulting cost of forgiveness required of that person. This glib attitude is captured in my thoughts or words which say, "Get over it, I said I am sorry." This mindset assumes forgiveness is cheap.

In the same way, I so easily forget the great cost required to settle the debt I owed God for my sin. God said sin can only be forgiven with the payment of blood,

...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22 NIV) 

At times when asking God for forgiveness, my attitude is glib. I so easily forget the cost to God.

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God. (I Peter 3:18 NIV) 

Join me this week in refusing to be glib as we ask God and others for forgiveness - recognizing the great cost required.
 

Sharing the journey with you,