Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
STEPS TO PEACEMAKING 7 - BE A GOOD FORGIVER
Men, not only must we be able to forgive, but we must activate forgiveness. Being able to do something is one thing, but to actually do it is quite another. Everyone knows they ought to forgive, but many drag their feet in getting around to doing it. Some take a whole life time. How sad. Some only show partial forgiveness. They forgive some things about a person that they do not like, e.g. minor flaws in their personality, but the more serious issues they will not forgive.
Some offer only conditional forgiveness based solely upon complete repentance and change. Others only forgive when the offender comes full circle and asks for it.
But our God offers for forgiveness in Christ Jesus while we were yet sinners. Romans 5:8 says: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
I am sure that the father of the prodigal son forgave his son in his heart long before the son returned home seeking forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32). Verse 20 says: “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” This is the type of forgiveness we fathers must have towards our own children, and others, even before they “reach home.” Even while they are still “yet a great way off.”
God’s peacemakers minister God’s forgiveness which is always generous--the best robe, a ring on the hand, shoes on the feet, and a party with music and dancing. Forgiveness is always on the lookout for those who are beginning to make their way home.
To be continued.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
