Forgiveness

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“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19 KJV

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the LORD shall reward thee.” Proverbs 25:21-22 KJV

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 KJV

When we are wronged the fleshly impulse is to react with vengeance. We want payback for what we have lost. Time back for the car cutting us off and then going slow in front of us. Want our money back when it is unjustly taken away. We want our respect restored when disrespected.

How many factors are taken into account prior to a response? At times, could our assumptions of intentions of others be wrong? Do we take actions personal when it could’ve been a simple mistake or misunderstanding? Holding others to a standard that ourselves cannot uphold consistently diminishes our justification for reconciliation. Knee jerk reactions are then needing of forgiveness. Only God truly knows the intentions of our hearts thus able to instill true and proper justice.

We want others to feel how we felt when the wrong was committed but if their reaction isn’t what we desire or expected, that sure burns a hole in us. Next step is usually a more severe reaction now in severity exceeding that of the original wrongdoing.

What most likely causes the need for recompense? Pride. If money is a root of all evil, pride is another that supplies nutrients to the vine of thorns. Pride not only inhibits offering forgiveness but also seeking it. Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, is a man that was attached to both roots. He sold the Messiah for 30 shekels or pieces of silver (worth about $265 today) which was eventually used to buy “the field of blood”which his blood spilt upon after his pride caused suicide. Even after betraying Jesus, if Judas asked for forgiveness it would have been given but his pride would not allow him to do so, rather he chose to hang himself. Whether it’s asking for or giving and receiving forgiveness, one must not allow pride to strangle out the chance for peace.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12 KJV

Next time we are wronged, resist the urge for revenge and allow room grace. Grace is extended to us from God through all the wrongs we commit against him. Who are we to not do the same? This way you shall receive payment in the form of a treasure that can never be taken away.

Dear Father, judge of heavens and earth, help me to humble myself and resist the urge to search out justice when I feel wronged. That I do not become a continuance to a broken system of revenge. Give me the strength to fight against my pride and be able to extend forgiveness. Help me to remember, that like myself, we are not perfect and offer grace that You unconditionally give to us. Thank you for your love and mercy. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.