John raged when his wife confessed. He suspected something was awry but had no proof. That was before his friend’s wife caught them, exposing the whole sordid affair. Now John faced a tough decision: forgive or hate.
John prayed before confronting his friend. It was the only way. I could kill you, he seethed through gritted teeth, but I’m going to forgive you instead. Then he hugged his friend.
Joseph did one better. Jealous brothers who hated him sold him into slavery. He languished in prison for years until finally being released after interpreting the king’s dream. Now he governed a region ravished by famine and his brothers were kneeling before him begging for food. They trembled when he revealed his identity and feared his revenge after their father died.
Joseph could have killed his brothers but chose to forgive: Don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:21)
Forgiveness is difficult but is always the right course when others abuse and hurt us. We can instantly release them from the debt they owe for the wrong they committed. But only by God’s power. No personal infraction will ever exceed our sin against God. His forgiveness is unlimited and unrestricted. Ours should be too. Who needs your forgiveness?
Prayer: Forgiving Lord, empower us to do what seems impossible: forgive.
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Thanks to Denise Loock for inviting me to participate in this World Blog Tour. Denise is a freelance writer, editor, and speaker. She’s the author of two devotional books, Open Your Hymnal and Open Your Hymnal Again, and the founder of Dig Deeper Devotions, a website dedicated to encouraging and enabling Christians to dig deeper into God’s Word. She's also the editor of The Journey Christian Newspaper, which has an online and print readership of 60,000+ and a book editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She loves all things Tolkien and Lewis, the endless antics of her cats, and long walks around Lake Junaluska.
Just like your example the feeling isn't always there, but if we totally commit to allowing God work the forgiveness thru us, it will come. Thanks for such needed article!
ReplyDeleteI understand. Saw much in my family, been involved seriously very many times with them. SO...when buried in many portions of the Word, I have been extremely blessed to see/knowing how the Lord is MUCH stronger than the sinfulness of our basic humanity. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for the comments. God bless.
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