Every day you live God will give you opportunities to grow in grace. Those who grow the furthest don’t just stay open to them: they chase them, eagerly. A grandma celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary shared what made her relationship: ‘On my wedding day I decided to make a list of ten of my husband’s faults, which for the sake of our marriage I would overlook. I never did get around to listing any. Each time he did something I didn’t like, I’d say to myself, “Lucky for him, that’s one of the ten.”’ That’s chasing grace down, rugby-tackling it to the ground, and taking every point you can get. Intimacy might get us together, but growing in grace will keep us together. So, when someone upsets you, instead of responding with angry words or angry silence, remind yourself that God’s giving you another opportunity to grow in grace. And if you don’t do too well with some of the opportunities He sends, don’t worry. He’ll keep sending more until you get it. Resentment is one of the most expensive luxuries you can indulge in. A deep-seated grudge eats away at your peace of mind at a high cost. There are few things as sad as a person who has harboured a grudge for years. Without forgiveness, life becomes an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. What makes a long and fruitful life is forgiving everybody, everything, every night, before you go to bed. It’s the secret of personal peace. Get serious about growing in grace and you’ll see.

What now?

Think of the tenderness of God towards you. Then write up a list of who you might need to forgive, tonight.