Forgiveness & Love, or Love & Forgiveness ? Yes, both
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Daily Meditation: Acts 7:51–8:1
Lord, do not hold this sin against them. (Acts 7:60)
How could Stephen possibly forgive the people who were stoning him to death? Perhaps the answer is that this disposition of mercy did not come out of nowhere. Scripture describes Stephen as someone “filled with the Spirit and wisdom” who was working “great wonders and signs” (Acts 6:3, 8). Clearly, the Holy Spirit had transformed his life—to the point that Stephen had become like his master, Jesus, who had also asked his Father to forgive his killers.
Can you imagine the reaction of the men stoning Stephen when they heard these words? Instead of cursing them for what they were doing and calling down God’s vengeance on them, Stephen was doing the exact opposite!
Forgiveness is a hallmark of the Christian life. It’s the heart and soul of the gospel message, and everyone who experiences it is moved in some way or another. Yet in many ways, it can be unsettling—especially when we read stories of people who have the grace to forgive terrible crimes against themselves or their loved ones. It can even feel unnatural to forgive; resentment, anger, and even vengeance come so much easier and seem more “normal” to us.
It may feel unnatural, but forgiveness is not optional for believers. God actually commands us to forgive those who have sinned against us. He expects us to forgive minor offenses, such as someone who snubs us, ignores us, or directs a sarcastic remark at us. Even though it can be very difficult and can take time, he also wants us to forgive family members or friends who have hurt us, betrayed us, or failed to help us when we most needed it.
If you are struggling to forgive someone, know that the grace of Jesus’ resurrection is available to you. If the offense is so serious that you don’t see how you could possibly forgive, just take the first step and ask God to forgive that person for you. Then, day by day, ask him to help you extend the same forgiveness. Ask your pastor or a close friend or counselor for help if you need to. It might be hard at first, but over time you will experience not only freedom from anger but also the joy of the risen Lord.
“Lord, help me to forgive anyone who has wronged me!”
Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8, 17, 21
John 6:30-35
It's worth your time
1 Peter 4:8
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
1 Corthinians 13:13
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Finally, a good article for all ages. Can you ask for forgiveness ? Can you give Forgiveness ?
Read:
I have sinned sometimes causing harm to those I
love (d). It's very hard to swallow your pride, admit your wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness. Retribution is part of seeking forgiveness, because words without action are that, simply words. It feels good to be granted forgiveness by God and those you've harmed.
It doesn't feel good, actually terrible when your sincere apology is rejected or ignored. About 10 years ago at a daughter's college graduation, I stuck out my hand to a person I had wronged and offered sincere apologetic words. It took a lot of inner strength to do so. A person who once I was very close to, provided lots of help over the years in times of sickness, sad times, and good times. (No, not my former wife). I was flatly rejected in an angry tone with hurtful words. I ask, "Who is the sinner? Wow, family love ? Forgiveness ?
In my eyes, anyone who visits the prison cell of his would-be assassin and forgives the man is a saint. St. John Paul II and Mehmet Ali AΔca.
I have forgiven people, family when their words & actions express sorrow and they try to recitfy wrongs. But, if they continue to maintain their innocence and never express sorrow, then I forgive you from afar, but I need for my own health need to move on.
Amen.
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