Forgiveness and Grace (undeserved favor)
A culture of authenticity cannot exist apart from a willingness to forgive and extend grace among people. Because we all fall short of what God has called us to be, we need the forgiveness of others. Because we have been forgiven much by God and are in need ofcontinual forgiveness, we should be quick to forgive to others. We all tend to hide and pretend when we sense we’re in an environment that judges quickly and forgives slowly. True community requires that forgiveness and grace be given freely and often. Relational health and oneness is impossible without these crucial characteristics. Grace, the willingness to treat others better than they deserve, mirrors how God relates to us. The willingness to forgive quickly and often enables us to live free of the kind of baggage that leads to bitterness and brokenness.
Matthew 6:12-15, 18:21-22; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Colossians 4:5-6