
The Gift of Forgiveness
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.—EPHESIANS 3:12 NIV
Sometimes it’s hard to approach the people we’re caring for. We don’t want to do or say anything that might “set them off.” Often we lack confidence in our own abilities and the choices we make. We juggle our words and actions so everything stays on an even keel.
But such fearfulness is not going to bring a sense of peace, either to us or to the people we serve.
Isn’t it great to know that we don’t have to worry about approaching God? We can come to Him exactly the way we are. Think about it: Jesus was often approached by people who had reason to fear He might turn them away. He dealt with people of questionable lifestyles, wavering faith, and no faith at all. He dealt with the proud, the weary, the grieving, and the desperate. He never turned away those who truly sought Him.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus responded with an attentive ear and an extended hand. He does the same today. There’s no reason for us to hesitate in seeking out our Lord.
Approach Him. Feel confident that when you come before Him, He’ll welcome you.
Dear Father, sometimes approaching others is hard—I can never be sure how they’ll react. How thankful I am that because of Christ, I can approach You with confidence.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.—Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Romans 5:8 (NIV)