Note: This picture has nothing to do with this post. Or rather, it has very little to do with this post. This is Sarah. She has been my best friend since 4th grade and, no, we don't have some dramatic reconciliation story. I think our most recent fight of any sort happened circa 1996 in middle school. However, she is a friend that I am honored to walk alongside in my faith and the passage from Colossians below was read at her wedding, so it makes me think of her. So I guess this picture relates a little bit. But not really :)
* * * * *
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
The Bible speaks boldly about grudges. They are not welcome in the Christian life. It's not that we won't ever be hurt or wronged by a Christian brother or sister. We will be. The Bible is pretty clear that as we live in the flesh, we will be wounded by friends and family, even by people who love the Lord but fall short at times.
But what should our response be when this happens? To bear with each other's failings. To forgive. It seems like a difficult task, and it is, but it is also possible because of Christ. Jesus has forgiven our utter betrayal of him. He is perfect and loves us completely, yet we fail Him time and time again. But that cross of forgiveness is always there. Always prepared to bear our sin. So we too, with grateful hearts, should forgive those who sin against us.
There are lots of Christian analogies about bitterness and unforgiveness. One of the most common is that bitterness is like a cancer of the soul. While this is not straight out of Scripture, the author of Hebrews does warn his readers to make sure "no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." (12:15). Clearly, there is something poisonous and destructive about bitterness, and so we should squelch any attitude of unforgiveness before it creeps deep into our minds and hearts and begins destroying our relationships. Obey God today... bear and forgive... because you have a Savior who has done the same thing for you at a far more drastic price.
--Linking up with Casey Leigh--
4 comments:
You are so right that forgiveness can be very difficult. But holding grudges just isn't worth it! It's exhausting and I think it gives you wrinkles ;) There is such freedom in forgiveness. And I'm so incredibly grateful that Jesus has forgiven me!! Thank you for that reminder today.
Oh, my lady! I swear you write these posts for me just at the right time. Obviously, this is not the case but thank you just the same.
Man I am so glad I found this post today. You know just what to say!
I read these verses to my students recently. I love the imagery of clothing ourselves with these traits so that we live beautiful lives of grace towards others.
Post a Comment