Audits & Resolutions - Day 5

 Write From My Heart / December 5, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 5

 Question: What is my response toward those who are unkind to me?

 Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

            The Bible is completely clear on the matter of forgiving each other. For the Christian, it is not an option to forgive one another, it is our responsibility. But there is one tiny little snag we always seem to find. The point is, we are to forgive others in the same manner that our Heavenly Father forgives us and therein lies the problem for us.

Psalm 103:10-12 (NIV) He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

            The “remember their sins no more” part seems to be the part that gives us the most difficulty. Yet this is exactly how we are to forgive those who speak false rumors about us, use unkind words directed toward us, or just plain irritate us. It is our responsibility as a Christian to love them through Christ’s love for us and to forgive them—but also to quit mulling it over in our minds and bringing it back to memory repeatedly. Wouldn’t we be in sad shape if Christ did that to us?

Resolution: Forgive AND Forget.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Truly you are gracious toward us. We bring our failings and shortcomings to you. We bring you our sins and wrongdoings. You lovingly forgive us by the blood your only begotten Son shed on the cross. When you forgive us, you remember our sins no longer. Help us to forgive others with the same grace to forget whatever grievances there may be.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.