FORGIVE OR BLAME?
Colossians 3:12-17
Vs. 13: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Vs. 13: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
God has a challenge for believers: Forgive them who harm you.
“It’s not my fault!” Terry yelled defensively outside the broken window.
His Mom frowned, looking outside. “Regardless of who hit this ball, take your game to the field now” she ordered, pointing to the lot next door. She tossed the baseball to her son and smiled.
“Wow, your Mom is so cool, Terry!” Miguel said. “My Mom would have freaked out if I’d have broken a window at my house—after all, I hit that ball, not you.”
What good would have come from Terry’s Mom yelling at the boys? She showed them compassion, forgiveness, and love. She knows that everything that impacts a person’s life by hurtful deeds causes bitter resentment. She wants her son and his friends to live differently.
She wants them to live without bondage of anger over offences by others.
Finger pointing and casting blame is easy. Forgiveness is the magic ointment that heals wounds.
The Lord’s Prayer is packed with reverence for God and His duties for His children.
But only one job is aimed at believers—forgive debtors. (Matthew 6:12). Debts and debtors are good metaphors for sin and sinners. A wronged person often feels that he’s owed something. An apology or compensation would heal the wound slightly. But forgiveness is mercy outstretched that cancels that obligation totally.
Some offences seem too severe to even consider forgiving. That’s when it’s better for us to remember Jesus’ scared hands—hurt that He took for our sins. He didn’t deserve that. The Holy Spirit enables us to forgive when it’s difficult for us to do so.
Even when your debtor doesn’t deserve your grace, when you choose to show mercy anyway, you’re acting out what Jesus did for you.
Take Home Nugget
Our Lord remembers our sins no more. He taught us debt cancellation. For our spiritual growth and maturity, let us follow His example.
But it HURTS!
A dear one cries.
“Forgive” God’s command blurts.
Weeping eyes God, Himself dries.
“For as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12
J.D. Griffith
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