Why forgiveness as todays topic? Well why not. The scripture jumped out at me in my reading recently and it felt like a good one to write about. A while back there was a pretty famous court case here in the Dallas area that got nationwide attention. It was for a lady who at the time of her “offense” was a Dallas Police Officer. She got home from work, mistakenly entered the apartment of a neighbor and ended up shooting him because she thought he was in her apartment for a bad reason, horrible tragedy. The trial was exciting enough and full of drama but at the end of it was the focus of what I want to tell you. The man who was killed had family that attended the trial, on the final day after sentencing (she was found guilt and must serve prison time) that mans brother asked if he could hug her (the shooter) because he wanted her to know he forgave her. The judge allowed it and that hug was such a heartfelt connection. My heart was so happy and I know God was smiling on this man for his courage, his conviction and his simple following – doing what God has asked us to do. Forgive. The lady really hugged him tight, I sensed that she was really relieved to be forgiven. What a freedom!
17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
God doesn’t suggest that we forgive, but commands us to forgive: Colossians 3:13; Luke 6:37; Matthew 6:15. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, it means forgiving and meaning it. People may believe that revenge is sweet but in Romans 12:17 it says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” The more you plot and wish them harm, the more harm you bring into your own life. The more you hold on to your anger the more miserable your life will be. In Galatians 6:7 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. To quote a movie which I am often very fond of doing, “You know, nasty little fellows such as yourself always get their comeuppance… always”. I say she has that right.
Had a conversation the other day with someone and it was interesting how this person was saying how if a person is nasty to start they only get nastier when times get tough. With Covid going on I know sometimes tensions are on the rise and folks are ready to resume normal, in the mean time being on edge puts folks in a position to be reactionary. To find the reason to be angry, to find fault, to have something to complain about.
Might I suggest an alternate thought process… with this in action and in keeping up on it I see how many people could move forward being much more positive, much less reactionary. What a beautiful world when this happens.
I think along with Forgiveness comes Grace: googled grace and this came up - Grace is a gift from Heavenly Father given through His Son, Jesus Christ. The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy and love of Jesus Christ. ... No one can return to the presence of God without divine grace.
So here is our homework readers… Let’s make Grace a MAJOR VERB… an Action item… use it as often as possible – let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus and make this world a better place than it has ever been.
How to Show Grace to Others
1. Words. Be kind and gentle in what you say and how you say it. ...
2. Look for Needs and Opportunities. simple everyday kindnesses and actions often help in great ways. ...
3. Let it Go. Letting it go is one of the easiest ways to extend grace to others…
4. Be There. ...
5. Forgive. ...
6. Learn to Ask for Forgiveness. ...
7. Watch the Way You Speak. ...
8. Gratitude…
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your Grace for us, so that we can know it – have it and then show it to others. Help us to always go to the Grace place instead of angry or strife. Help us infuse this world with Good, Kind, Honor, Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness. In Jesus Name - Amen