How many times have I been forgiven?  Innumerable, immeasurable, incalculable, perhaps, even if I were to have kept score, the Lord has forgotten them.  Can you conceive of such grace?  A God so full of a Love that is beyond my understanding that He would forgive my tremendous offenses while I find it hard to forgive those I love for minor infractions.  What kind of fool I would be to believe that I am somehow entitled to such depth of kindness.  Or the greater fool to turn away from such an offer of redemption, cleansing and relationship.

How many days have I looked beyond blessings following each footfall, remaining in desirous want?  Gifts, left for me, perfectly matching my specific need and character, given without attachment.  Yet I failed to offer up thanks or in a moment of humility see the profoundness of my legacy.  Always grasping, lamenting, coveting that which I needed so.  All the while surrounded by Glory, Power and Divinely protected from obvious dangers in my haphazard walk.  I am and have always been wealthy, why now do I see it so?

I have read of men, greater men, lesser men and I have spoken down to their folly.  As if I have somehow displayed another measure of wisdom.  Judgment is the Lord’s prerogative, yet I dispense it without restraint.  How careless my wielding of sword and shield, apologetic only when caught in crossfire or cross-hair.  Allow me to forgive Father to save me from donning my own inconsiderate apparel.  There are none for whom I have perpetual misgiving.  Remove those trapped in the clouded dungeons of my uncompromising demeanor.  Set us free.

Teach me to love them as You have first loved me.  Praise God in Jesus’ Name.