Have you ever just had a bad day?
You know what I mean. You misjudged someone. Maybe you said (or did) something you wish you hadn’t. Possibly you upset someone before you realized you had. Or maybe your bad day consisted of one colossal mistake. Or it could be a collection of smaller ones. As a result, you just wish someone would cut you some slack.
Have you ever been on the other side of someone else’s bad day?
Maybe they misjudged you. Perhaps they said (or did) something they wished they hadn’t. Maybe they really upset you before they realized what they had done. Or maybe their bad day consisted of one colossal mistake. Or was it a collection of smaller ones that affected you in a negative way. What they really need is grace. Yes, grace from you!
Consider what Paul has to say about how we should treat each other:
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13
Now don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting we overlook or enable sin in a brother or sister’s life. However, when we see a fellow believer overtaken by sin, we should gently and humble help them. I believe that involved honestly identifying and addressing the sin. BUT, I think Paul means that when others unload their “bad day” on us, we should cut them some slack.
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Two Reasons to Extend Forgiveness
First let me suggest a practical reason for extending grace. If someone hurts you and you choose not to forgive them, you are hurt most.
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Unforgiveness adversely affects us physically with higher blood pressure, stress, and a host of other issues. Spiritually, unforgiveness hinders our prayer life and communion with God. Mentally, unforgiveness affects our ability think clearly about anything else. Rather, thoughts of the offense consume our minds.
A theological reason, however, also compels me to extend grace. I, chiefest of sinners, receive grace daily from God. Since God forgave me, I am obligated to forgive others. (Matthew 18:21-35)
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In fact, Jesus says that if I choose to not forgive, then I cannot receive forgiveness from my heavenly Father. He taught is to ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. Forgiveness is a much more attractive option.
Let me challenge you to find someone in your life who needs you to “let them off the hook.”
Allow others the courtesy to be wrong now and then. Cut them some slack and let the wrong go. Release them from whatever obligation you may feel they owe you. When you do that, you look just like your Heavenly Daddy.
When do you find it hard to forgive? Click on the comment tab if you would like to share.