Nov. 17, 2007 - Forgiveness
Seventy times seven. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
It's pretty clear what the Lord wants us to do. Forgive. Again and again. It's not optional! It's a command!
I really struggled with forgiveness this week. The offense from a dear one came on the heels of a very difficult week. How could this one do this to me when they KNEW what I had been going thruough? That hurt!! I saw the truth anew of the Proverb "An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city". That was me......unyielding. Hurt and licking my wounds. Knowing that I needed to forgive but withholding that forgiveness. Struggling mightily with my bad attitude!
Wasn't it me who just told my children AND my AWANA girls that love covers over a multitude of sins? A multitude! Not just one offense, but MANY! Wasn't I the one who just taught a few lessons on conflict and the right/wrong ways to resolve it? Yes, to my shame, that was me!
But, oh, the grace of our Lord! Wider, deeper, higher than all I can imagine. He didn't let this child of His get away with an unforgiving heart! He dealt with me on it and brought me to the place where I can say "I forgive" and MEAN it. I had to choose to obey and forgive even though I didn't FEEL like it.
After all He's done for me, and the MANY times I have offended Him with my sin, how could I not forgive? Praise the Lord that He helps me in my weakness! Praise Him that He loved me before I loved Him. Even while I was His enemy and my sins put Him on that cross, He loved. He forgave. I can do no less, but I sure do need His help!
My son had a guitar recital a few days ago and one of the songs just keeps playing in my heart. Part of it says "I choose to be a blessing for life." That's what I am choosing, Lord. Help me to be a blessing for You!
