A FORGIVING PEOPLE

Luke 17:1-4 “Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ' I repent, ' forgive him."”

The KJV renders the verse as ... It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!” Our definition of an offense is usually something that causes displeasure, humiliation, anger, resentment, or hurt. But that is not what the Greek language conveys. The NIV (used above) more correctly interprets the text. A Biblical offense was one that would cause people to stumble into sin. The admonition is stern. But then Jesus turns attention to the one so offended and gives them a warning as well. Watch yourselves. And then He gives instruction that is often neglected. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ' I repent, ' forgive him."”

It is not wrong to confront another person about their sin against you or someone else. However, care must be taken as to how you confront. It must be done in humility not anger. Paul said it this way. Galatians 6:1-4 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other ' s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions....”

Have you ever needed forgiveness more than once for the same thing? I have... many times! I’d have the best of intentions but out of habit or because I was blind-sided I’d do it again and have to go back and say, “I’m sorry.”

Some people find it almost impossible to say I’m sorry. They refuse to entertain a fault on their part. That’s like the kid who was caught with his hands full of cookies and then telling his mother he just didn’t understand how it happened but they just sort of appeared there. We all expect a guilty one to admit to their failure. So, go ahead, admit your fault. It will feel mighty good to get it off your chest.

Remember that others are human and they too make mistakes... intentionally or otherwise. And we need to be forgiving toward them. Nothing is more ugly than a vindictive spirit especially coming from Christians. We who have been forgiven much must not neglect the forgiving process ourselves.

Article Source: http://christian-topics.info

Willetta is a retired pastor. She resides with her husband of 56 years and is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Wheelchair bound she occasionally teaches at her local church. Her pastime is her webs. www.theseedsower.org www.teachmethyways.org www.successwithkids.org

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