Given, Not Earned

”He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repays us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” - Psalm 103:10-14  
 
I want to spend one final day reminding you of the importance of forgiving others because sometimes we just need an additional reminder.
 
Nike came out with a t-shirt several years ago with the phrase, “Earned Not Given” written across the chest. It is something you hear all the time when it comes to sports or even business. This idea is that if you want something in this life, you must earn it because it will never be given to you freely. Thankfully, when it comes to God’s forgiveness this is not the case.  
 
Our forgiveness is based on what Christ has done for us, not how others have treated us. We too, are to forgive not because the person has earned it, not because they deserve it, but because Christ died for all of us. Forgiveness is the best thing we can do for our sense of sanity and peace of mind.  
 
When someone has wronged you, the answer is always to forgive because it is Christ-like behavior, not to forgive because the person has earned your forgiveness. Remember, you have not earned Christ’s forgiveness. He gave it freely. He went to the Cross knowing you would sin again and again. Nothing you will ever do will earn the forgiveness of Jesus. That’s the best part. He never asked you to earn it. It’s given freely.
 
Just as Christ has given you the gift of forgiveness time and time again, it is now your responsibility to forgive others each and every time you have been wronged. Next time you are mistreated, just think of what Christ has done for you in regards to forgiveness. It is always given, not earned.