At this point, my recent spiritual ponderings resemble peeling back the layers of an onion. This theological/philosophical journey has been, for me, a delightful time of meditation and consideration. I’ve become even more keenly aware of the necessity of several eternities that will be required for us to even scratch the surface of God’s immutable character and divine attributes.

Our last mediation considered the truth that the essence of love is forgiveness. If we pursue that further, I believe we have to agree that the essence of forgiveness is grace.

Grace is popularly defined as receiving something one does not deserve. Our salvation is the result of God’s grace. The gift of eternal life is neither earned nor deserved. It is made available as the free gift of God’s grace. God’s love is undeserved…unconditional and unchanging, regardless of how the recipients of his love might respond. And certainly his forgiveness is an expression of incomprehensible grace. Sinful creatures, rebellious aliens were we all. Yet, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us that we might experience forgiveness or, as John says, “grace upon grace.”

Pastor Dave here. I’m convinced the essence of forgiveness is grace because forgiveness is never deserved. We don’t have to forgive acts of kindness or gestures of love. Forgiveness is extended to those who have injured, gossiped, misrepresented, misled, etc. That we have been the recipients of God’s grace is, as John Newton writes, “amazing.” To experience forgiving grace among believers may be even so!