The Hardest Thing

In Leviticus 19, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites they are not to steal, deceive or cheat, blaspheme, twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful, gossip, nurse hatred in their heart, seek revenge, or bear a grudge. Yet, of all the things God tells us not to do, I find one of the hardest is to forgive. The crowd was so ready and willing to stone the woman caught in the act of adultery in John 8. One may even say, “eager.” Why? Are we that bloodthirsty? The only one who showed compassion, mercy, was Jesus.

There is just something about our fallen human nature that makes us act like sharks. As soon as we smell blood in the water we pounce!

Forgiveness is the cornerstone of Jesus’ message. Christ came to die for our sins so that we would be forgiven. If we are not forgiven, we face eternal damnation. We don’t deserve mercy. That’s for sure. As Paul says in Romans 7, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” Of himself, Paul says, “‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ – and I am the worst of them all” (1 Timothy 1:15). No, we don’t deserve forgiveness, but Christ gives it to us anyway. 

Often, we can be very forgiving when it involves someone else. “C’mon sister, you should forgive her. She made a mistake.” Yeah, we can be very noble when it comes to someone else’s hurt or heartbreak. But when we are wronged – look out! Suddenly, it’s, “Well, this is different. He needs to be punished to the fullest extent possible!” When a wrong is done to someone else it’s Nemo but when someone we love is harmed it’s Jaws! 

That’s not what Jesus teaches. Christians are supposed to be merciful. No conditions or qualifiers. The Bible says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). How hypocritical it is to seek and accept Christ’s forgiveness ourselves and yet withhold it from someone else when they wrong us. Read the “Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor” in Matthew 18, to see how Jesus feels about those who seek revenge and bear a grudge.  

Jesus is clear. Forgiveness is a crucial part of our Christian walk. In fact, our own forgiveness depends upon it. Jesus says, “…if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). “…when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” (Mark 11:25).

The next time someone offends us or harms us, we need to remember that Christ forgave us despite everything we have done – or will do. I know it’s difficult. It is. Much harder than not stealing or cheating. Nonetheless, if we want to be Christ-like, then we are supposed to forgive others as well.       

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