Forgiveness isn't Always Comfortable

God does not promise us there will be no awkwardness as we are trying to learn how to be at peace with one another. How easy it is to part ways and live as though another person does not exist, banishing thoughts of them from our mind - or even dwelling upon all the wrongs that occurred to mar what was once a solid relationship.

Some time ago, I had been recently let go from a job and was attending a concert with my family. During intermission, I ran into the man who had been my supervisor. We said hello and exchanged small talk. My toddler daughter, having no understanding of the awkwardness between he and I, reached out and held his hand for what seemed a very long silence, preventing us from going our separate ways.

Oh, if we were all to be like that child! Would not Christ desire us to extend the hand of friendship and connection, oblivious and blind to whether the person may or may not "deserve" it? That is true forgiveness. That is the forgiveness and reconciliation Christ extends to us.

How awkward would it feel if Christ showed up right when we are in the act of acting against him and were to extend the hand of friendship and love to us. Yet he does reach out to us with love. How wonderful the relief when we release the bitterness and hurt and welcome one another back into right relationship with each other, when we forgive one another as Christ as forgiven us.