But the king said to Araunah, “No. I’ve got to buy it from you for a good price; I’m not going to offer God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice.” (II Samuel 24:24 ESV)
Sacrifice
The things we give up for God are not payments for His Grace. In fact, they are not further Hard Obediences that He requires of us.
The things we give up for God are the result of us, His People, attempting to put HIM above ourselves.
If I had to give up food for God, I would gladly give up kale, onions, or green beans. I would not be quite so willing to give up bacon, hamburgers, or ice cream. But He does not ask me to give up food.
If I had to give up reading for God, I would gladly give up the news, Medical Journals, or Computer Programming textbooks. I would not be quite so willing to give up Science Fiction, ancient history, or graphic novels. But He does not ask me to give up reading.
If I had to give up relationships for God, I would gladly give up angry people, pot-stirring people, or strangers I met once. I would not be quite so willing to give up family, churchfolk, or comedians. But God does not ask me to give up people.
Unless any of those things are more important to me than He is.
But He does ask me to forgive. But again, I would gladly give up my grudges against far away nations. I would gladly give up my anger against strangers. I would gladly give up frustration with ‘different’ people.
But it is harder to forgive those who hurt me deeply. Those who negatively effected loves ones. Those who dislike me. Those who plan against the Church. Those who refuse to listen. Those who it feels good to be angry against.
And it is THOSE kinds of sacrificial forgivenesses that God asks of us. Commands us, in fact.
Forgiving like Jesus means forgiving EVEN those grudges, anger, and hate that we nourish, enjoy, and about which we feel justified.
Forgive, especially when it is hard.