first, sinner.

"When you have tasted the grace of the gospel, no relationship, no matter how wrong or hurtful or annoying looks the same to you. You'll see yourself as 'first, sinner, and second, sinned against,' and when that happens, your entire disposition toward others' offenses toward you will change." -J.D. Greear

How often is this really how I see things?  I confess that I find myself easily hurt, offended, and frustrated by others.  It is difficult for me to respond with grace and forgiveness.  I often forget that God, the HOLY one, is hurt and offended by sin.  And I am first and foremost a sinner.  I am only able to be called righteous because of the blood of Christ.  Only because a holy God who required sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins made the perfect sacrifice in his Son.  Only because Jesus bore the full wrath of God so that I wouldn't have to.

And if I truly believe these things to be true, what right do I have to choose not to forgive? Shouldn't I give grace to others in praise of the God who gave the greatest grace in Christ?

I should.  And I am learning.  First, sinner. Second, sinned against.

First, undeserving.  Next, given grace...  given life, forgiveness of sins, relationship with the Lord, joy, peace.

Thanks Lord, for refinement. For reaffirming my identity (forgiven sinner). For purpose (to bring you glory by giving grace to others).