Colossians 3:13
Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
The
mass murder of innocent people in Orlando, Florida, has broken our
hearts once again over such a senseless act. For many, it has also
re-opened old wounds. From 9-11 to Sandy Hook to Charleston…and
countless heartbreaking events in between...people are reeling and
saddened over the compounded effect of these horrific crimes.
For
me, Orlando in particular has caused me to revisit some upsetting
memories of events that occurred last summer. In particular, I have
been reminded of some very unkind and ugly remarks that were made in
“church settings” toward members of the LGBTQ community following the
SCOTUS decision regarding same sex marriage. I have also recalled some
equally disgusting comments that were spouted about our President after
he attended memorial services for the victims of the shooting in
Charleston, South Carolina – and sang “Amazing Grace.”
In the
past year, I have tried to forgive those who said such horrible things.
I am a work in progress. But over and again, I feel I must keep
trying. Because in my ear, I hear the voice of Jesus reminding me, “I forgave you…now YOU must forgive others.”
“But
LORD…” I cry out. “They said terrible things about people I love and
respect! They made comments that were not true. They were so unkind
and unloving!”
“Have you not read the unkind things in
scripture that were said of Me? Was I not beaten, spit upon, mocked,
and crucified? Have I turned my back on my persecutors?”
“But, LORD!”
“Yes…BUT LORD, indeed!”
Because
of Jesus, we cannot harbor hatred and thoughts or feelings of
unforgiveness…toward anyone. Because of Jesus, I have to redouble my
efforts to be kind and loving toward those who have spoken and acted so
hatefully. I have to be kind to the people who I look at and wonder
whether they are genuine when they smile and “play nice”…or if in truth
they could smack me down because of my own thoughts and feelings - and
never blink an eye. We truly do not know what is in another person’s
heart and mind…and in some ways, it doesn’t matter. We are to love them
anyway - and treat them exactly as Jesus would.
I know! It’s so
very hard. I find myself wanting to continually say, “But, LORD!” And
yet, I am reminded that because of Jesus, I have to change my
attitude. “But, LORD, indeed! But for Him and His loving sacrifice and
demonstration of forgiveness, we would be so very lost. And yet, we
are “found”…and forgiven…and SAVED…and promised Eternity in His
presence.
Take a long, hard look at your life today. Be brutally
honest and lay bare your soul as you examine where you are operating in
unkindness, hatred, and unforgiveness. Stop protesting and saying,
“But, LORD!” and start saying, “LORD, help me!” He can, and He will…and
the world will be a better place because of it. Change starts with one
person. Be that person in your circle of influence. Let go of grudges,
judgments, and unkind thoughts and feelings. Discover the power of God
to make tremendous changes in His people…and let Him begin with you.
©2016 Debbie Robus
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