What’s the most frustrating thing about driving? Other drivers. Those who don’t signal, cut people off, speed through roadwork and then tailgate you when you’re doing the correct speed. It’s surprisingly easy to find fault with them, but it’s even easier to forgive our own mistakes. The truth is, I find it far easier to forgive myself than to forgive others in these moments and I’m sure I’m no orphan.
Jesus highlights this tendency when he says, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you and even more.” Do you find that sobering? This isn’t about cause and effect, but about the nature of our hearts and our example in Jesus. God forgives us because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, not based on our forgiveness of others.
When we trust in Christ, we no longer have anything to hide. We’re not sinless, but we trust him to love us unconditionally and forgive our sins. This trust frees us from the need to judge others harshly as we can tend to do. We are measured by Christ’s grace, which softens our tendency to condemn.
So, whether in traffic, at the courthouse or around the dinner table, we’re free to forgive others as God forgives us. Not forgetting, Jesus has commanded us to love others as ourselves. For those who trust in Jesus, there is only one measure, and that measure is God’s unconditional love.