Freely You Have Received.

Why is it that we always hurt the ones we love the most? And why do we expect to be so easily forgiven, yet find it so hard to freely offer the same forgiveness that we expect? Double Standards. And it's always easier to receive than it is to give. It's not right, but that's the truth. We are called to "FREELY" give. Just as we have received. We are expected to!! Matthew 10:8-Loud and clear, y'all.

Apologizing is always the first step, right? Why is apologizing so hard? Sometimes it's a pride thing. But most of the time... It's fear. I'm human. I'm always going to make mistakes. Apologizing implies change. Saying you're sorry implies that you were wrong and need to make a change so you don't do the same thing again and have to apologize again. I can't guarantee that I won't make the same mistake again. It's almost impossible. But, I'm learning.

I don't know about you, but I get really annoyed when someone has to constantly apologize for the same thing and constantly does the same things over and over again. It makes me feel like it doesn't mean anything. I always feel that if they really meant the apology, they wouldn't continue to do the same things again and again. I started to look at things differently...I asked myself just how many times I do the same thing, then turn to God and ask for forgiveness? I laughed. I do the same things day after day, and apologize and ask for forgiveness day after day. And it is freely given to me, day after day after day...time and time again. I'm still human. Mandi Mapes says it best... "For the record I'm a full time failure...I'm a high class screwed up mess, but you love me just because." I don't always get it right. I rarely get it right. But I'm trying, y'all.

God forgives me every single day. Don't I owe others the same things that I am so freely given even when I don't deserve it? Absolutely.  

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22

Happy Thursday, Y'all!

-Jen-