are you gracious?

Can you think of a more frightening thought than God not forgiving our sins? We know how much he paid...the death of his son.... so our sins could be forgiven! We know how much he loves us! We know how much he wants us to be in relationship with him! So why would he withhold his forgiveness? Because we demonstrate that we have not received it or do not understand it! God is gracious and he will not accept those who are not gracious!

Holy God, there are those that I do find it difficult to forgive. Please, right now while I'm praying, soften my heart by your Spirit, cleanse my soul of any bitterness or resentment, and please empower me to let go of the pain of the past and forgive. I thank you for this grace to not only be forgiven, but to also forgive. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.