I can relate to this guy. I’m sorry Lord, but my keister is so sore from all the falling I do, I need to strap a cushion to my gluteus Maximus. 🙂 Not only that, but I’ve worn holes in my jeans from seeking your presence and forgiveness on my knees. I am not deserving of your mercy and grace, but I am worthy because of your indwelling Spirit [1]. Thank you, Jesus Christ my Lord.

Case in point: last weeks blog. Even though I asked God for His forgiveness, for the unforgiveness of my spouse, and I didn’t feel his forgiveness. I am sure He forgave me, but then it dawned on me, if we trespass against someone, God requires us to ask forgiveness of that person because of our trespass(s) against them [2]. Likewise, we should let go of any and all resentment and forgive others for their trespasses against us. “Huh, what was that Lord?”

“Shhhh, I got you,” the Lord said.

“Thank you Jesus. I fell, again. I’ve missed you while rebelling against you. Thank you for always catching me!”

Forgiveness is the basis of our faith. When we sin against God and repent, He forgives us. However, and Moreover the Law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [3].

v9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
[1 John 1:9 KJV]

Our horizontal and vertical relationships are interrelated. If our vertical relationship with God is not bearing fruit, then it is safe to assume that we are probably having trouble in our horizontal relationships as well [4]. This goes full circle, because we learn from God how to love Him, and that, in turn, teaches us how to love, submit, and forgive one another. In other words, when God is out of the picture, things will fall apart or break quickly [5].

Thank you, Lord, that you forgive us when we trespass not only against you, but with each other. Thank you Lord for the Cross, your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. We thank you for your faithfulness to us. Guide us and be a lamp unto our feet that we do not trip and fall. Thank you for always catching us Lord. In your name we give thanks, AMEN. [6]

Both the horizontal and vertical relationships are vital to Believers.
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[1] Romans 8:8-11
[2] Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14, 15; Luke 17:3, 4, and others.
[3] Romans 5:20, 6:1, 2
[4] Ephesians 4:32
[5] Ecclesiastes 4:12
[6] Prayer prayed through 1 John 1:9; Matthew 27:50; Psalms 136; Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 6:12; Psalms 119:105