12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
They should be the ones to ask for forgiveness because they were in the wrong. Why should I forgive them, they are the ones who started this whole mess. Does this ring a bell, or have you experienced a time when you were so angry that you couldn't forgive or ask someone for their forgiveness? This last week I heard a sermon about a mediator named Abigail, if you have never heard this story, it is worth the read and can be found in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail not only mediated a conflict but there was forgiveness in this story and we too often overlook these small acts of forgiveness. God wants us to forgive each other and the perfect example is how He forgave us. Each day when I run across people that make me angry, or upset me because of their incomprehensible acts, I don't stop to forgive them for their shortcomings, or don't reflect upon my own actions that may need to be forgiven by them. It's no surprise that God in the scripture above discusses how compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience lead to a heart of forgiveness. Take a moment this week to see who you need to forgive, or who you need to ask for forgiveness. Lift the burden off your shoulders and provide a way to reconcile your anger or misunderstanding. I guarantee that your heart will be lifted and you will experience a spirit of peace.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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