Forgiveness 2

     

Matthew West - Forgiveness

 

Okay, we know we need to forgive.  We know that God made each person and loves us all.  He wants all of us to be reconciled to him and become his children and heirs, even that person who cut you off in traffic, or the 'friend' that told everyone what you didn't want told.  The coworker that put down your ideas at the status meeting.  Even the spouse that continues to leave the wet towel on the floor or the child with the attitude problem.  We have to let go of the bitterness and the 'poor me' martyrdom.  Christ commands us to forgive.  But what does that look like?  Does the person who hurt us come to us, remorseful, begging for us to forgive them and be friends again?  Is there a Hallmark movie moment where we commiserate as we meander down a sun-dappled country lane, just enough tears to add sparkle?  Possibly, but unlikely.  Often the wronger does not ask for forgiveness.  Yet, we are to forgive, 7 times 70.  We are to forgive as God forgave, with unconditional, unending love.  

What if they continue their behavior?  Are we supposed try to change them?  Force righteousness on them?  No.  We show them mercy and kindness as Christ would, but we are not responsible for their behavior or character.  That's one of the great freeing truths of God.  We are only responsible for our own behavior as Christ works in us.  We are to show them through our actions a different way, planting the seeds of Christian love.  Then we pray for them and ask God to work in their hearts.  Ask Him to soften their hearts and open their eyes.  But that is not our job!  We are not responsible if they choose not to change!  If they continue to cause hurt, we must distance ourselves from them.  Do not stay in a toxic relationship.  Pray that someday in the future our seed will bare fruit, through God's grace. 

But so far as it depends on me, I will seek peace and reconciliation. 

 

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 Romans 12:14-21 (TLB)

If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.  Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands.  Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be “heaping coals of fire on his head.” In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good.

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Dear Father in Heaven, help us to remember your sacrifice and let the joy of our salvation show to others.  Let us be kind and gentle even when others are not.  Help us to be humble and merciful instead of resentful or spiteful.  Let our light shine as a reflection of your love, that others may see and come to you.  We pray that your peace will win out.  We have faith that you have a plan for each of us, as you are bringing us nearer to your glory.  By the precious blood of Christ, Amen.