Buried Below!

When it comes to the faults and shortcomings of others, there are those who seem to delight in dredging or digging them up for remembrance again. No matter how hard some try to move forward in life, there are those who seem unwilling to let them live down their past! Instead of experiencing remission there is continual remembrance.

Someone has said, “Every person should have a special cemetery plot in which to bury the faults of friends and loved one.” [source: calendar quote]

Certainly we ought to encourage growth and help one another toward maturing in Christ. However, there is a difference between that desire and possessing the faultfinding spirit Jesus exhorted against. ( Matthew 7:1-5) There is a great contrast between judgment that distinguishes between right and wrong and simply being judgmental. The first can help direct while the other usually divides.

The prophet Micah noted God’s willingness as follows:
“(19) Who is a God like you, PARDONING INIQUITY AND PASSING OVER TRANSGRESSION for the remnant of his inheritance? HE DOES NOT RETAIN HIS ANGER FOREVER, because he delights in steadfast love. (19) He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. YOU WILL CAST ALL OUR SINS INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA.” ( Micah 7:18-19 ESV)

A BURIAL AT SEA! Sins CAST INTO THE DEPTHS from which they will not resurface. That is the blessing of God. Having received such FORGIVENESS, are we willing to extend it in like manner?

Paul exhorted…
“(32) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, AS GOD IN CHRIST FORGAVE YOU.” ( Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

How willing are we to offer the grace to others that God has extended to us? If we truly appreciate what we have received, won’t it be displayed in how we are with others? Or do we share the guilt of the unmerciful (unforgiving) servant? (parable of Matthew 18:23-35) [If it has been a while since you read that parable I would suggest you do so.] Jesus provided this lesson because of a question Peter asked regarding FORGIVENESS. ( Matthew 18:21-22) It is a lesson still worthy of learning. May our willingness to FORGIVE truly be an expression of our sincere appreciation for God’s gracious gift to us as we do so from the depths of our heart.

Have a great day APPRECIATING THE DEPTH OF GOD’S LOVE TO DEAL WITH SIN!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Forgiveness