Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you."
And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld."
John 20:21-23

Sent to bring God’s message of reconciliation to the world, just as the Lord Himself was sent, we find that it doesn’t come naturally to us. If we had our druthers, we would only give the world - especially those whose offenses we personally feel - a message of judgment and condemnation. We need the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us, guiding and empowering us, to enable us to do as Jesus would do and give them the same word of forgiveness that brought such peace to our own hearts.

With such great power comes great responsibility. If I follow my own natural tendencies and fail to communicate God’s forgiveness, who will do it? People are left in their guilt, with no hope of redemption.

Lord, give me a heart of forgiveness, an attitude of grace. Holy Spirit, guide and empower me both to forgive and to offer Your forgiveness, too, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles