Hello
Here’s today’s Holy NougatIt’s a tough chew…
“So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive … The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”” Luke 17:3, 5 NLT
Have faith; may forgive.
Until it was pointed out to me, the connection failed to register. That faith is a key aspect of forgiveness. Of course, we can argue that people have practiced forgiveness outside the household of faith; and you would perhaps be right. But, that doesn’t mean that the will to forgive is natural.
I would invite us to consider the faith-forgiveness connection a bit more. For, if we visit Hebrews 11:1; we can see the correlation. And, it is the missing link for our previous thoughts on forgiveness. The writer of the epistle says that Faith DEMONSTRATES the reality we HOPE for; and is evidentiary proof of what has not yet been witnessed (based on NLT, emphasis mine). What if we substitute Faith by Forgiveness? Could the definition apply?
Forgiveness DEMONSTRATES the reality of what we HOPE for; and is evidentiary proof of what has not yet been witnessed – sounds about right to me! Because the call to forgiveness often requires that we see beyond the actions of the perpetrator to the person they OUGHT to be.
This is neither natural nor easy for the wronged. Yet; remaining in the space of hurt might birth something else in our tender hearts; or initialize the calcification process (turning our hearts to stone, as per Ezekiel 36:26 or thereabouts). Jesus challenges us to be proactive, by recognizing that the one who wronged us (or continues to do wrong) is not fully aware of the sin consequences of their actions (Luke 23:34). Hence, the directive to ‘rebuke’ or correct the believer who has offended us.
Now that is exceptionally hard for many of us to be or do; especially in a world of pedophiles and other forms of abuse. Forgiveness is not pretending that the person has changed; it is LOOKING PAST THE SIN to who the person OUGHT to bein Christ.; then offering the person that opportunity to repent. And based on their confessions and repentance; offer forgiveness. The proof of what has not yet been seen.
Can we do it without faith? Perhaps. But I cannot see myself getting past an offense without Divine intervention – lots. I pray that our Lord heals us and sharpens our vision to see beyond an action; to the human potential hidden by another’s behavior. Lord, increase our faith!
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
