“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
In the course of our lives, we will most assuredly need mercy, either to give it or accept it as forgiveness for some offense that has occurred. If we have been offended, as believers, we are to forgive as Christ forgave us. As believers, we can ask for forgiveness for any offense we have committed. As believers, we should put our efforts into restoration rather than retaliation.
Please do not place trust in the same vein as forgiveness. Forgiveness deals with a past act and should be given as soon as possible. Trust is a future effort that will take place over time to rebuild broken relationships. We are called to forgive as the first step to restoration. Our human nature tells us that those who have offended us are not worthy of our mercy. Please remember, that we are also not worthy of God’s mercy, but he provided it to us because of his love for us. How many times are we in need of undeserved mercy?
Relationships fall under the burden of bitterness and unforgiveness we carry for hurts in our lives. Let us seek to offer mercy to others and seek forgiveness for our shortcomings. Mercy can provide us a path forward to a life of peace and prosperity. Be ready to forgive when needed!
In Christ
RJ