Forgiveness
A while ago a friend asked me to consider writing something on forgiveness. Knowing Mikko and I had and have been working through the process of forgiveness with another couple the subject interested me. Especially the subject of Christians forgiving other Christians. It is now, much more, my heart to see the church, that is, the body of Christ, unified.
Before I actually dive into the pool of forgiveness I found a helpful passage from the book, WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? by Greg Gilbert written through 9Marks ministries.
"Also, Christian, the gospel should drive you to a deeper and livelier love for God's people, the church. Not one of us Christians has earned his or her way into the inheritance God has stored up for us. We are not "self-made" citizens of the kingdom. We are included in God's promises only because we know that we are dependent on Jesus Christ to save us, and we are united to him by faith.
But here's the kicker. Do you realize that the same thing is true of that brother of sister in your church who annoys you? He or she believes in and loves the same Lord Jesus that you do, and even more, he or she has been saved and forgiven by the same Lord who saved and forgave you. Think about that brother or sister you've not really taken the time to get to know because you just don't think you'd click. Think about that person with whom you have a broken relationship that you've refused to repair. now consider that he or she loves and trusts in the same Lord you do. Consider that the same Lord who died for you, also died for him, for her.
I wonder if your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ-the good news that Jesus saved you even though you didn't deserve it-is deep enough to swallow up the little criticisms you have of your brothers and sisters. I wonder if it's deep enough to sink the offenses they've committed against you, even the most painful ones, and lead you to forgive them and love them just as Jesus himself has done for both of you. I wonder if the vastness of God's love for you has increased your love for others."
Before I actually dive into the pool of forgiveness I found a helpful passage from the book, WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? by Greg Gilbert written through 9Marks ministries.
"Also, Christian, the gospel should drive you to a deeper and livelier love for God's people, the church. Not one of us Christians has earned his or her way into the inheritance God has stored up for us. We are not "self-made" citizens of the kingdom. We are included in God's promises only because we know that we are dependent on Jesus Christ to save us, and we are united to him by faith.
But here's the kicker. Do you realize that the same thing is true of that brother of sister in your church who annoys you? He or she believes in and loves the same Lord Jesus that you do, and even more, he or she has been saved and forgiven by the same Lord who saved and forgave you. Think about that brother or sister you've not really taken the time to get to know because you just don't think you'd click. Think about that person with whom you have a broken relationship that you've refused to repair. now consider that he or she loves and trusts in the same Lord you do. Consider that the same Lord who died for you, also died for him, for her.
I wonder if your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ-the good news that Jesus saved you even though you didn't deserve it-is deep enough to swallow up the little criticisms you have of your brothers and sisters. I wonder if it's deep enough to sink the offenses they've committed against you, even the most painful ones, and lead you to forgive them and love them just as Jesus himself has done for both of you. I wonder if the vastness of God's love for you has increased your love for others."
I hear many stories of other brothers and sisters who have been torn apart by conflict. Unfortunately, do I rarely hear of victory stories of relationships that have been repaired by the wonderful forgiveness from Christ our Lord. I know they are out there. Please share them! Or share briefly about a relationship that you would like to be reconciled with (No details necessary). I would love to pray for you!
Comments
Wonderful and timely post. An awesome challenge full of truth. I love your heart for the church. I am currently working through this very issue. Please pray for the situation with a brother and sister and Chris and I.
Thank you. May God Bless You.
tess