Nougat 18

We conclude the series on criticism and judgement by reflecting on Todays Holy Nougat

Luke 6:37 AMP

[37] “ Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change]. [Matt 7:1-5]

Pardon for Sins

When we consider that this Nougat is followed by the warning on reciprocity, we might find ourselves hearing the call to compassion differently. For pardoning someone is about the extension of grace. Here, grace refers to mercy or unmerited favour extended to someone who’s committed an offense.

So this is where we get to pause and identify (once again) offenses directed our way. These may have been personal, against us directly, or collective.

Now that we have identified the offense, let’s examine what it would take to pardon those offenses.

I would argue that on one level, we can not pardon offenses. That is outside of our gifts and skills. But if pardoning is about resisting judgement and prejudice, or walking away from the tendency to condemn (write off as degenerate or beyond redemption) individuals, races, ethnicities, or nationals, then we do have the capacity to pardon.

Now that’s settled, do we have room in our hearts to move forward? Remember, we pardon because we’ve benefited from The Ultimate Pardon.

If we lose our capacity for grace and compassion, we have a problem. For part of our nature includes our ability to care for others. Extending grace is the next level up. And the joy is, if we’re allowing Jesus control, our capacity to pardon will increase exponentially.

I close with an invitation to meditate on a verse from a popular hymn of yesteryear

Grant us thy help till foes are backward driven,

grant them thy truth, that they may be forgiven,

grant peace on earth, and, after we have striven,

peace in thy heaven.

May our willingness to pardon be matched by the pardon we receive from others when we’re in the wrong. And may we be willing to pardon others in light of the gift of salvation we received at Calvary.

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May all we seek be found in Christ