It's not about fairness

Forgiveness, that is. I've been enjoying the Bible series #apps4life, by Pastor Michael B. Kelly, II, of the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church in Riverside, CA, the month of June. Each week he discussed specific areas in the Christian life that need strengthening in order to be victorious. In today's techie parlance - we have apps on our smart phones, and those we can download from the "app store". But apps are useless if they are not applied. The same goes for the life of a Christian. We have the ultimate "app store" - the Word of God. And many of us have downloaded good principles from this store. However, we find that we are still living ineffective lives because we have not applied what we've downloaded.

The app last week was forgiveness. If I could roll the tape on this sermon right here and right now, I would! There was sooo much meat!! A couple weeks before was the confession app, which was just as powerful, and the appropriate lead into the app of forgiveness. Kelly reminded us in that sermon, that confession is NOT to be used as a means to get rid of guilt and feel better about yourself. There is an important exchange that takes place between the confessor and God - where the wrongdoer agrees he or she is wrong and then  receives the power to turn from that sin and NOT repeat it!! Too often, we just say "sorry", and go back and do it again - only to come back and say "sorry". No. That's not what confession is all about.

So forgiveness, we learned, is not about fairness. Because whoever did us wrong, however it happened - the truth is, they are wrong and it made us angry. Add to that, forgiveness is unnatural for us as human beings. Our first reaction to someone who has hurt us, is to retaliate, shut them out, off, down. So if forgiveness is not our natural bent, and the act of forgiving someone who has betrayed us isn't a fair exchange - how do we bridge this chasm?

Ahhhh - of course, most of you know what's next. "God takes up the slack." Well, yes He does. But even though He's able to give us this supernatural ability, we still remember.  We can remember, but as we continue in our faith walk with the Lord, there is a certain elevation we achieve. We find we are able to carry on, move forward, knowing we have gained a victory. (and in some cases, re/gained a brother or sister)

The most important point of forgiveness, in my humble opinion, is we cannot expect to be right with God, asking for His forgiveness, while continuing to hold grudges against one another. It doesn't work that way, and the Bible makes that clear. Matthew 18 tells us how we are to treat one another, and the importance of forgiveness. Jesus said, in Matthew 6:14-15, that if we forgive those who have sinned against us, God will forgive us; but if we don't forgive those who have wronged us, we won't be forgiven. (paraphrase)

Even in our interpersonal/marriage relationships - how can we live together each day, harboring grudges against one another, holding on to unresolved hurts - yet show up to Bible study, or church, lifting holy hands and sing praises to the Lord - and ask for His mercy and forgiveness? It's as if we're saying, "Forgive ME, save ME, but that spouse I have isn't worthy of my forgiveness!" Guess what. Neither of us is worthy. But God has shown us a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31 - 1 Corinthians 13) Hint: it's all about love.

When we look at the entire picture - which is difficult at best, we understand there are just some things that God asks of us that require His power, and His alone. What I've found is, the more I learn about His will for my life, how I am to treat my family, friends, strangers, and yes, even those who are my enemies, the more I see my need FOR Him. The more I need Him, the more I rely ON Him and the blessings I receive I realize I don't deserve. Hey - I'm forgiven, don't deserve it - that can't be fair!

Exactly!



The sermons I referenced are found here:

http://campus.316networks.com/mt-rubidouxVOD




From Boaz Ministries

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