The Countdown — Tuesday
Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (ESV)
When I was younger, I had what was essentially a catchphrase: “But whatever.” Nothing bothered me more than the idea that I had potentially upset or made someone feel bad, even if they were being harsh or mean toward me. I’d voice my frustration or hurt and immediately try to reconcile with a “but whatever” to smooth things over. “What you said about me hurt my feelings, but whatever.” I know, I know, I’m something of a peacemaker. What can I say?
Then I started driving, and… let’s just say I am no longer a peacemaker. I almost seek out and prescribe people’s issues, especially while driving, and I become quite the disgruntled driver and victim of everyone around me being so inconsiderate. One super great thing about our Southland car decals (which you can find at the Help Desk at your campus!) is that you can use them as a behavior barrier of sorts because you’re representing your church—it works for me, at least!
Something I heard recently really convicted me: When we choose to delay or deny forgiveness for others, we actually place our grace at a higher value than Jesus’, as He was willing to forgive our most grievous behavior and sin. We elevate ourselves above those who we deem “unworthy” and, as an extension, imply that since they’re not worthy of our forgiveness, they’re not worthy of Jesus’ either.
Similarly, if we resolve to display uncommon forgiveness, we display and attest to the forgiveness we have been given—forgiveness we’ve never deserved and can never earn. Who could you forgive today?
Tuesday’s Reflection
Do you dole out your forgiveness only when it’s safe? Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, but we are called to forgive as Jesus did, and it paves the way for healing. Read Ephesians 4:17-32 today, and reflect on what Paul is telling the church and why.
