Think about it… who gives us so many opportunities to ‘get it right’, understand, know, grow, change? The only Person gracious enough to understand our stumblings, attempts, wrong motives, etc. is Jesus. And what does He do for us?
“Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness]. For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account. Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” [Hebrews 4: 11-16]
Such a rich explanation and description. As further proof, He also said in answer to Peter’s question on forgiveness:
“Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.'” [Matthew 18: 21-22]
Which is an indication of the extensive vastness of our Triune God’s willingness to forgive our mistakes and even our intentional sinning when we seek His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). We are the only one with the authority to get in our own way. Sadly when we continue on that path, we hurt ourselves. Especially when we get into pride or me-ism. We need to acknowledge this and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. He always wants the best for us.
I do believe it is important for us to regularly take a good look at our motivations, our wants, and how we attempt to achieve those and discover those that really aren’t according to the Will of God. The more we do, the more we rid ourselves of counter productive behaviors. But we also must remember that we need to extend that same grace to others.
Forgiveness… of others, of ourself have to become mindsets, lifestyle choices. In the 1780’s, the French writer Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, is attributed with saying: ‘Revenge is a dish best served cold.’ This is something that we need to be mindful of since there are moments in all our lives that we’d love to see a bit of revenge in action. You may think you want vengeance. But do you really want to see that other person suffering? And what is it our Father tells us:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.” [Romans 12: 19-21]
Being gleeful at someone else’s plight would never be the standard of our Lord. No, it doesn’t mean allowing yourself to be duped again, but become that person that forgives two, three, forty-five, ninety-nine times knowing that this is the grace the Lord has done for you.
