Forgiveness. To say that it is hard is an understatement. In fact, most of the Christians I speak with on a regular basis find it almost impossible. Why? It is because the people who have offended them are the people closest to them. When a stranger sins against us it is almost expected. The offenses are slight and almost forgotten as soon as they occur. But when someone we know and love offends us or betrays us it cuts right to our heart. The closer the person is to us, the deeper the hurt when we are betrayed by them. So what are we to do? Here are a few ideas to get us headed in a biblical direction. First, understand that God demands that we forgive others, no excuses and no exceptions. Jesus said it like this, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15). Inability to forgive someone of their sins against us is ...
Reflections on Scripture, Theology, Preaching and The Christian Life