When Isaiah sees the glory of God filling the temple, he is overwhelmed and cries out, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;” (Isaiah 6:5) Isaiah confesses that he is a sinner, and he also confesses that everyone around him is a sinner. (“I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.”)
We know, generally, what to do about our own sins. We go to the person we sinned against, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness. But then there’s our neighbor’s sin. What do you do when you are sinned against? When someone else is the sinner, and you are the victim of that sin? What do you do when you are the one that’s been violated, hurt, or slandered?
We are all sinners. You know that, right? You know that I am a sinner, that you are a sinner, that the person sitting next to you is a sinner, but then, when that sinner sins, especially when the sin is against you, you are shocked. “What!? A sin from a sinner? I’m so surprised.” What did you expect?
And then what do we do? We get angry at the person who sinned against us. We let that anger settle in. You know what I’m talking about. That anger is like a warm bath, and we ease right in. That anger is like a pile of pancakes in front of us, and we reach for the syrup.
Anger is a self-justified lack of love. Anger—and here I’m talking about persistent anger toward your neighbor—anger that’s walking down the path toward hatred. This anger is the verdict passed in your mind that this neighbor does not deserve your love.
Can you start to see what anger does? I have the command of God to love my neighbor, but anger comes along and makes an exception. I’ve got to love everyone but so-and-so. And now I’ve put myself in a place where I can sin against someone, and I don’t even feel guilt about it. I feel good about it. They deserved it. Anger is to your conscience what a tall shot of vodka is to your balance; it knocks it out of whack.
We, the Lord’s people, Christians, are marked not by anger but by mercy, patience, and forgiveness. We are merciful and forgiving because Jesus died on the cross. That mercy offered to me is the only reason, but it is enough. Jesus forgives sins. Jesus takes away your guilt. He does not get angry when we sin against Him. He loves you. You are lovely to Him, for He calls you holy and His own dear child.
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
The answer is perpetual offerings of forgiveness.
So forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. You will find your heart lighter, your thoughts brighter, and your smile easier. This world needs the whole Body of Christ to be about practicing kindness and living a life where forgiveness is practiced readily. The world is starving for grievances to be addressed and repaired, and the world is starving for an alternative to perpetual rage. The answer is perpetual offerings of forgiveness.
Try thinking about a time you have been asked to extend forgiveness to another person or have needed to be forgiven.
What did it feel like to be forgiven?
What did it feel like to extend forgiveness?
What did you gain by being forgiven?
What did you give up by extending forgiveness to another?
Please Pray: Father in heaven, hear our confession and forgive us. We cast ourselves on Your eternal mercy through Jesus Christ. Help us to use this gift of forgiveness with those we have something against.
Please Pray For: Chris, and all those who struggle to forgive someone.
Please Pray: Which classroom “wins our support” in their fall raffle in two weeks. Pray also that we would be faithful throughout the school year in our support and encouragement to teachers, aides, students, and families.
Please Pray For: the lost who are near us
Please Pray For: Kathy Duitsman, who has breast cancer.
Please Pray For: Lela Izzo, who has a broken hip.
Please Pray For: those who serve in this place as they enthusiastically tackle diverse ministries such as the altar guild, food pantry, and serving our local school.
Please Pray For: Julie, who is battling brain cancer and 4 additional tumors.
Please Pray For: for those who are facing financial difficulties. Father, guide them in their search for employment and grant them the wisdom and resources they need to overcome their challenges.”
Please Pray For: for William Izzo, that God would Strengthen him.
Please Thank God For: The health of all the other congregations that worship in our facilities.
Please Pray For: Tom Sheba who is on a ventilator.
Please Pray For: Joe and his struggles with addiction.
Please Pray For: Those who struggle with housing needs.
Please Thank God For: all those who are out of work.
Please Pray For: Joshua who has been moved to palliative care. Pray for peace and knowledge of God’s mercy for him and those gathered around him in these final days.