Forgiveness - Week 1 - Ephesians 4
Maybe it’s a character flaw, but I really enjoy a good revenge movie. You know the kind: the villains are rotten to the core, have no redeeming qualities, hurt children and puppies, etc. And the hero will rain down righteous judgment on the villain.
I find such movies a form of catharsis since I know that it’s not my job to judge and punish. As Romans 12:17-19 tells us: “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
As a Christian, I’m to forgive others. Sometimes that isn’t very easy in our world. It seems too often that folks (non-Christians and Christians) can’t forgive and live in peace with others who have different political views and/or different religious beliefs.
Actually, that’s incorrect. We can forgive others; it’s a matter of if we will forgive them. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to forgive one another, as God forgives us.
It’s not easy. On one level, Yours Truly can live peaceably with those who have wronged me (or whom I think have wronged me). But isn’t it hard to love such folks?
Yet Luke 6:35-36 tells us: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
I’m going to work on my shortcomings on forgiveness this year, and I hope you will, too. After all, if the Christ could leave the glory of Heaven and die on the cross for someone as messed up as I am, I can do better at loving those who can be difficult to love.
Have a blessed year.
—Dennis Sellers
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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
—Ephesians 4:32