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Oh To Be Wise Meditations
Forgiveness hurts. It's frustrating and its painful. Its enduring embarrassment and swallowing your pride if their is anything left of it. Turning the other cheek is an understatement to the forgiveness we are called to give to one another. Many people deserve it more than others, but some should never be forgiven. An eye for an eye and tooth for tooth is justice, this is how we seek recompense in a sinful world. Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. This is what God in Christ is calling all believers to live out. So much forgiveness is needed in our world and we need the power of the Gospel to spread its good news. Listen to the Old Testament law of Israel: You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. If you break a bone, one of your bones shall be broken; if you put out an eye, one of your eyes shall be put out; if you knock out a tooth, one of your teeth shall be knocked out. Whatever injury you cause another person shall be done to you in return. In a world without the Gospel restitution this is hard to achieve. In Jesus forgiveness is possible even though offense should be taken. Taken though, through its proper filter of the Gospel. Vengeance is the LORD's, he bore our guilt and shame, our failures and our mistakes, our willful sins and every evil inclination was carried on the Cross. Forgiveness cost God a great deal of suffering and pain. His life was given as a ransom for many, maybe forgiveness is the same way today. At least I hope so. Revenge will totally destroy humanity, its they way of the devil and this world. Forgiveness is what is making all things new. It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Forgive and spread the power of the Gospel in our world. God wants to use us to usher in His Holy Kingdom. Forgiveness hurts, but our Father forgives so we must forgive. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Meditate Matt. 6:12
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