Overflow Theology

Love as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Freely you have received. Freely give. (Matthew 10:8)

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

The way of Jesus is not about us white-knuckling ourselves into living right. That’s never been the mechanics of the spiritual life. It’s always been about us sharing out of the overflow of what we’ve received. We love because we’ve been loved; we give because we’ve received; we forgive because we’ve been forgiven.

Today as you work on the spiritual practice of forgiveness, again pray the Lord’s prayer. This time, as you come to “forgive us our debts/sins” go back to that earlier line you just prayed about “on earth as in heaven.” Pray that you’d forgive on earth the way God in heaven has forgiven you. Pray that you’d give the gift of forgiveness as generously as you’ve received it. Let today be yet another step towards forgiveness becoming a way of life for you.