In 2003, the Chicago Cubs were on the cusp of going to the World Series, with a chance to win it all after almost 100 years.

With only five outs between the Cubs and the coveted National League Championship, a fly ball was hit into left field. As the left fielder stood underneath to make the catch, a fan named Steve Bartman reached out and knocked it into the stands.

Moments later the Cubs’ lead disappeared and Cub fans entered the winter without the coveted prize.

Bartman was blamed.

He hid from the public eye. But then, in 2016, his beloved team won the World Series. The Cubs’ management presented him with the greatest gesture of grace baseball has ever seen: a personalized World Series ring.

Aren’t we all a bit like Bartman, putting ourselves where we don’t belong? We are often guilty of tunnel vision, unaware of how our actions may hurt others.

Thank God we don’t have to hide from Him, no matter our sin. No need to wait a decade or a lifetime for forgiveness; He gives it the moment we repent. If we are His child, if we share His spiritual genetics, then we can’t have a personal Bartman in our life either.

We’ve got to forgive as God forgives. Extend some grace today.