Giving and Receiving

It's ironic how much easier it is to receive forgiveness than it is to give it.

We expect others to treat us well, to be kind, patient, compassionate, to extend grace towards us when its needed, and to forgive us when we've faltered. These basics of human kindness are the foundation of real, solid, lasting relationships.

Yet so often, especially when it comes to those that we love, we fail to give these things while we fully expect to receive them.

So often we just don't think. We speak, we act, we move forward. Treating others not as we would like to be treated, but based on our own mood, insecurities, circumstances and situations. We give the worst parts of ourselves rather than the best.

Forgiveness is the one that I've been really thinking about lately. I've watched several friends recently struggle with it. Struggle to give it to others and struggle to give it to themselves. Granting forgiveness can be a long hard battle.

I think the key to forgiveness is to remember that it is a CHOICE. We choose to give it or not. Just as we must choose to receive it or not.