Forgiveness

I was listening to the lyrics to the song "Awesome God" this morning on the radio. The words that caught my attention were the words "Mercy and Grace He "gave" us at the cross". Then my mind started to meditate on the word "Gave" which lead to the word "forgiveness". Dictionary.com defines forgiveness as:

for·give /fərˈgɪv/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fer-giv] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing. –verb

1.	to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.

2.	to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).

3.	to grant pardon to (a person).

4.	to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies.

5.	to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

Dictionary.com defines the word "for" as:

for /fɔr; unstressed fər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fawr; unstressed fer] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –preposition

1.	with the object or purpose of: to run for exercise.

2.	intended to belong to, or be used in connection with: equipment for the army; a closet for dishes.

3.	suiting the purposes or needs of: medicine for the aged.

4.	in order to obtain, gain, or acquire: a suit for alimony; to work for wages.

5.	(used to express a wish, as of something to be experienced or obtained): O, for a cold drink!

6.	sensitive or responsive to: an eye for beauty.

7.	desirous of: a longing for something; a taste for fancy clothes.

8.	in consideration or payment of; in return for: three for a dollar; to be thanked for one's efforts.

9.	appropriate or adapted to: a subject for speculation; clothes for winter.

10.	with regard or respect to: pressed for time; too warm for April.

11.	during the continuance of: for a long time.

12.	in favor of; on the side of: to be for honest government.

13.	in place of; instead of: a substitute for butter.

14.	in the interest of; on behalf of: to act for a client.

15.	in exchange for; as an offset to: blow for blow; money for goods.

16.	in punishment of: payment for the crime.

17.	in honor of: to give a dinner for a person.

18.	with the purpose of reaching: to start for London.

19.	contributive to: for the advantage of everybody.

When you combine these two words, "for" and give" one can actually have a better understanding of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. He gave ahead of time, so that we could have the ability to forgive. VIOLA! What a revelation as the Easter Season approaches! I thank the Lord for speaking softly to me this morning through the lyrics of a song & revealing to me the meaning of forgiveness in a whole new light! :)