B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 62
September 3, 2011
I Can Do It By Myself
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6
As parents, we are thrilled when our toddlers perform a feat for the first time. As teenagers, we felt independence when we could do things on our own and the sense of accomplishment continues as we grew older and started our families. As a man, nothing is more humiliating than having to ask for help.
Solomon has a totally different approach above - acknowledging Christ in everything we do. I must admit he is correct. There have been numerous occasions where I have tried to do things my way, only to get to the point where I had everything in such a mess that it was impossible to proceed. Only when I have exhausted my efforts do I call upon God to help. It would have been so much easier if I had started by calling upon Him prior to starting the endeavor! And the results would not have been such a disaster! It would seem that we have enough experience to know the right way to approach decisions - seeking His will first. But we continue to re-learn the same fact.
Join me in committing our decisions to Him. He will never steer us wrong!
As parents, we are thrilled when our toddlers perform a feat for the first time. As teenagers, we felt independence when we could do things on our own and the sense of accomplishment continues as we grew older and started our families. As a man, nothing is more humiliating than having to ask for help.
Solomon has a totally different approach above - acknowledging Christ in everything we do. I must admit he is correct. There have been numerous occasions where I have tried to do things my way, only to get to the point where I had everything in such a mess that it was impossible to proceed. Only when I have exhausted my efforts do I call upon God to help. It would have been so much easier if I had started by calling upon Him prior to starting the endeavor! And the results would not have been such a disaster! It would seem that we have enough experience to know the right way to approach decisions - seeking His will first. But we continue to re-learn the same fact.
Join me in committing our decisions to Him. He will never steer us wrong!
September 2, 2011
Hear and Believe
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding. Proverbs 2:2
Have you ever talked to some one that is not paying attention? It is so frustrating! Even more so if you are trying to explain the process of performing a task. And afterwards, they look at you blankly and ask simple questions that are indicative that they did not pay attention. A strong resemblance to my children sometimes. Sadly, a strong resemblance of me when it comes to living a Christian life.
Solomon describes a two part process above: hearing wisdom and applying to your heart. The first phase of the process is listening for the right things - not everything that comes along but those nuggets of wisdom scattered among background noise of everyday life. We often tune out everything vice selectively listening to those things that strengthen our walk with Christ. (Kind of like planning your upcoming week vice listening to the sermon). We need to actively seek out those items associated with strengthening our Christian life and discard the chatter of the world.
The second phase is applying it to our heart so that we understand it. We can attend the most inspirational service, hear the most invigorating sermon and walk out the door. If we do not apply it to our heart, come Monday morning, it was a waste of time. We have to apply what we learn to our hearts so that it changes our perspective and modifies our behavior. Otherwise, the pastor's effort was for naught. The same applies to daily reading of the Bible. If we only read and do not apply it to our heart, it will provide minimal results.
I encourage you to seek out those nuggets of wisdom and apply them to your life. The results will be physical, spiritual and emotional change. The results are proportional to your effort. Join me today in not only hearing but applying God's word to your life.
Have you ever talked to some one that is not paying attention? It is so frustrating! Even more so if you are trying to explain the process of performing a task. And afterwards, they look at you blankly and ask simple questions that are indicative that they did not pay attention. A strong resemblance to my children sometimes. Sadly, a strong resemblance of me when it comes to living a Christian life.
Solomon describes a two part process above: hearing wisdom and applying to your heart. The first phase of the process is listening for the right things - not everything that comes along but those nuggets of wisdom scattered among background noise of everyday life. We often tune out everything vice selectively listening to those things that strengthen our walk with Christ. (Kind of like planning your upcoming week vice listening to the sermon). We need to actively seek out those items associated with strengthening our Christian life and discard the chatter of the world.
The second phase is applying it to our heart so that we understand it. We can attend the most inspirational service, hear the most invigorating sermon and walk out the door. If we do not apply it to our heart, come Monday morning, it was a waste of time. We have to apply what we learn to our hearts so that it changes our perspective and modifies our behavior. Otherwise, the pastor's effort was for naught. The same applies to daily reading of the Bible. If we only read and do not apply it to our heart, it will provide minimal results.
I encourage you to seek out those nuggets of wisdom and apply them to your life. The results will be physical, spiritual and emotional change. The results are proportional to your effort. Join me today in not only hearing but applying God's word to your life.
September 1, 2011
Active Rejection
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10
As children, my boys were adept at providing an excuse for why they had done wrong. While to an adult the reasoning was sometimes comical, it was always obvious they knew better. The same is true for us as Christians. We love to use the term "peer pressure" to justify our actions. But Jesus knows our heart and he knows better. We may try to convince ourselves but we know that the Spirit convicts us of our actions.
Solomon directs us to refuse. Not try to reason or justify our actions, simply refuse. In chapter 4, James provides us strict warnings regarding our attempts to please our worldly desires while trying to be a Christian. The key verse is James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Both verses require action from us; refuse and resist. We can not remain true to Christ in a passive mode.
Don't expect the heavens to open and angels to sing every time we resist temptation. Look at Joseph in Genesis 39 - he resisted temptation by his master's wife. An admirable thing to do but more importantly he knew he would sin if he submitted to the temptation. And the reward for his resistance? Being thrown in prison. He had risen to being the overseer of all that his master owned to being thrown in prison. What a reward for doing the right thing! But look closely at Genesis 39:21-22. "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. " What a blessing to know that the Lord will be with us and show us mercy when we resist the sins of this world.
And we know how the story goes - Joseph moves onward and upward to be over all of Egypt. Quite a lofty change from being over a household, as a slave. Jesus has great plans for us as well. We need to demonstrate our commitment to him and he will reward our actions in due time.
As children, my boys were adept at providing an excuse for why they had done wrong. While to an adult the reasoning was sometimes comical, it was always obvious they knew better. The same is true for us as Christians. We love to use the term "peer pressure" to justify our actions. But Jesus knows our heart and he knows better. We may try to convince ourselves but we know that the Spirit convicts us of our actions.
Solomon directs us to refuse. Not try to reason or justify our actions, simply refuse. In chapter 4, James provides us strict warnings regarding our attempts to please our worldly desires while trying to be a Christian. The key verse is James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Both verses require action from us; refuse and resist. We can not remain true to Christ in a passive mode.
Don't expect the heavens to open and angels to sing every time we resist temptation. Look at Joseph in Genesis 39 - he resisted temptation by his master's wife. An admirable thing to do but more importantly he knew he would sin if he submitted to the temptation. And the reward for his resistance? Being thrown in prison. He had risen to being the overseer of all that his master owned to being thrown in prison. What a reward for doing the right thing! But look closely at Genesis 39:21-22. "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. " What a blessing to know that the Lord will be with us and show us mercy when we resist the sins of this world.
And we know how the story goes - Joseph moves onward and upward to be over all of Egypt. Quite a lofty change from being over a household, as a slave. Jesus has great plans for us as well. We need to demonstrate our commitment to him and he will reward our actions in due time.
August 31, 2011
Speaking With a Purpose
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
We are often directed in the Bible to guard our tongue and warned of its dangers. But here is a prime example of when we should speak up. While it is human nature to blindly blab about others with juicy gossip and to pass judgement, the opposite is true regarding the defense of others. Often, I have paused in speaking up to defend others. Whether it is from embarrassment or not wanting to go against the tide of current opinion, I have difficulty in speaking in a positive manner about others.
There is a gentleman that I know who I admire greatly. Any time someone starts to gossip about someone we know, he will kindly and gently speak up, in an authoritative voice, to highlight a positive attribute of the individual. Normally, the gossiping ceases. Amazing! I admire his courage and conviction to defend others.
We all want to be viewed as kind Christians but yet we are happy to share the gossip. If we are truly a Christian, we would cease from gossiping and comment on their positive attributes. Isn't that what Christ did? He looked beyond our faults and forgave us of our sins so that we may have eternal life. We should do the same with all that we know - look beyond their faults.
I challenge you to spend one day speaking only positively about others. You will be amazed at the impact it has on your life and others!
We are often directed in the Bible to guard our tongue and warned of its dangers. But here is a prime example of when we should speak up. While it is human nature to blindly blab about others with juicy gossip and to pass judgement, the opposite is true regarding the defense of others. Often, I have paused in speaking up to defend others. Whether it is from embarrassment or not wanting to go against the tide of current opinion, I have difficulty in speaking in a positive manner about others.
There is a gentleman that I know who I admire greatly. Any time someone starts to gossip about someone we know, he will kindly and gently speak up, in an authoritative voice, to highlight a positive attribute of the individual. Normally, the gossiping ceases. Amazing! I admire his courage and conviction to defend others.
We all want to be viewed as kind Christians but yet we are happy to share the gossip. If we are truly a Christian, we would cease from gossiping and comment on their positive attributes. Isn't that what Christ did? He looked beyond our faults and forgave us of our sins so that we may have eternal life. We should do the same with all that we know - look beyond their faults.
I challenge you to spend one day speaking only positively about others. You will be amazed at the impact it has on your life and others!
August 30, 2011
The Security of Mediocrity
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Proverbs 30:8-9
As a teen, mediocrity was not acceptable. I had dreams and aspirations of being the fastest, strongest, richest and most powerful. I wanted it all. Little did I know what I was seeking. My father often pointed out that I needed to be content with my station in life. But I refused. I sought after greatness rather than seeking after God.
The Israelites did the same thing as they obtained the Promised Land (Deut 31:20). As they gained wealth in land and plenty of food, they turned their back on God. And the extreme of poverty causes the same rejection of God. Did Job's wife not encourage him to curse God and die? (Job 2:9) Extremes in wealth cause us to loose focus on what is important - a close walk with God.
Only when I changed my focus, as a young adult, did I find success. Not in being the best but in finding peace. Many people can quote Philippians 4:13 (and even see it during football games). But how many can quote just two verses up? Philippians 4:11 states: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This is the biggest challenge we have in staying close to Christ. The worries of worldly concerns will cause us to lose focus on what is important (Matt 6:25)
I believe Agur was speaking directly to me in the opening verse. The strength of my relationship with Christ is challenged when I encounter extremes in physical conditions. Therefore, I need to be content in my station in life, no matter what it may be - at the top, bottom or somewhere in between. I need to practice being content where I am (thanks Paul).
It is easy being thankful for the many blessings God bestows upon us. But the challenges? Join me today in giving thanks for ALL that God has bestowed upon us. When we recognize mediocrity is where we are, let's be thankful!
As a teen, mediocrity was not acceptable. I had dreams and aspirations of being the fastest, strongest, richest and most powerful. I wanted it all. Little did I know what I was seeking. My father often pointed out that I needed to be content with my station in life. But I refused. I sought after greatness rather than seeking after God.
The Israelites did the same thing as they obtained the Promised Land (Deut 31:20). As they gained wealth in land and plenty of food, they turned their back on God. And the extreme of poverty causes the same rejection of God. Did Job's wife not encourage him to curse God and die? (Job 2:9) Extremes in wealth cause us to loose focus on what is important - a close walk with God.
Only when I changed my focus, as a young adult, did I find success. Not in being the best but in finding peace. Many people can quote Philippians 4:13 (and even see it during football games). But how many can quote just two verses up? Philippians 4:11 states: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This is the biggest challenge we have in staying close to Christ. The worries of worldly concerns will cause us to lose focus on what is important (Matt 6:25)
I believe Agur was speaking directly to me in the opening verse. The strength of my relationship with Christ is challenged when I encounter extremes in physical conditions. Therefore, I need to be content in my station in life, no matter what it may be - at the top, bottom or somewhere in between. I need to practice being content where I am (thanks Paul).
It is easy being thankful for the many blessings God bestows upon us. But the challenges? Join me today in giving thanks for ALL that God has bestowed upon us. When we recognize mediocrity is where we are, let's be thankful!
August 29, 2011
Machine-Gun Mouth
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. Proverbs 29:20
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? We all have at one time or another. Unfortunately, once the words are spoken, the damage is done. Solomon is pretty harsh in his judgement of such a person in the verse above. Solomon describes a fool in Proverbs 1:7 as "... but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Sadly, that is the case. We all know better - that it is better to think before speaking. However, I often lose control of my mouth and it spits out foolish statements much like a machine gun. Spraying a pattern of fire and pain every where it hits. And the injury caused by one short burst can take a life time to overcome.
So how do I overcome such a repeated mistake? By allowing God to have control over my life. In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus directs that the Holy Spirit will guide us in what we should say. So it is apparent who is in control over my life, and my tongue, when I say such words. Join me in prayer today that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all aspects of our life today - especially our tongues!
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? We all have at one time or another. Unfortunately, once the words are spoken, the damage is done. Solomon is pretty harsh in his judgement of such a person in the verse above. Solomon describes a fool in Proverbs 1:7 as "... but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Sadly, that is the case. We all know better - that it is better to think before speaking. However, I often lose control of my mouth and it spits out foolish statements much like a machine gun. Spraying a pattern of fire and pain every where it hits. And the injury caused by one short burst can take a life time to overcome.
So how do I overcome such a repeated mistake? By allowing God to have control over my life. In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus directs that the Holy Spirit will guide us in what we should say. So it is apparent who is in control over my life, and my tongue, when I say such words. Join me in prayer today that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all aspects of our life today - especially our tongues!
August 28, 2011
The Source of Happiness
Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 28:14
People are constantly seeking happiness. Many feel they can achieve happiness through financial freedom, political stature, climbing the corporate ladder or climbing mountains. But Solomon points out the simple truth to happiness. It is not what we do physically but spiritually.
David says it best in Psalms 19:8-10: "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Like father, like son - David and Solomon knew the secret to happiness - fearing the Lord. And David goes even further to enlighten us - it is not riches (gold) but fearing the Lord that puts a smile on our face and our heart.
May your demeanor be sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. For you know your source of happiness. And nothing on this earth can take it away.
People are constantly seeking happiness. Many feel they can achieve happiness through financial freedom, political stature, climbing the corporate ladder or climbing mountains. But Solomon points out the simple truth to happiness. It is not what we do physically but spiritually.
David says it best in Psalms 19:8-10: "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Like father, like son - David and Solomon knew the secret to happiness - fearing the Lord. And David goes even further to enlighten us - it is not riches (gold) but fearing the Lord that puts a smile on our face and our heart.
May your demeanor be sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. For you know your source of happiness. And nothing on this earth can take it away.
August 27, 2011
A True Friend
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. Proverbs 27:10
It is easy for us to recognize a True Friend. They are there for you no matter what the situation may be, they are not in the relationship for their own personal gain and they stick by you no matter how horrible you may behave. But the verse above really cause me to pause and rethink friendship.
I can understand not forsaking your friends - that is what friends are for. But your father's friend? Look closely at the first part of the verse - you have a responsibility to not only your friends but your parent's friends as well. Why? I personally (not biblically) believe it is part of showing respect to our parents by honoring their friends. Especially, as the years slip by, it is comforting to know that the younger generation will befriend the elderly in times of need. We have many references that the Lord will plead the cause of widows (Psalms 146:9). Hence we should show them respect and honor.
And the second half of the verse above is even more challenging. We often misquote it by saying "better is a friend in the day of our calamity". But Solomon did not use friend, he used neighbor. A neighbor? I believe Solomon was alluding to Jesus' teachings. Let me explain. Did Jesus not say "Love thy neighbor as thyself" in Matthew 22:37-39? And look closely at Jesus guidance in John 15:12-14: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." So if we love our neighbor as our self and we demonstrate our love for friends by giving up our life for them, our neighbors will be our friends!
What a challenge! If we demonstrate our love to our neighbor, he will be our friend... and the love we should demonstrate is the love of Christ. It all comes full circle - as the love of Christ flows out of us to others, we can not help but be their friend!
I love the promise in John 15:14, that we will be His friend, if we follow His commandments. There is no one better to cast our cares upon than our Best Friend - Jesus Christ. No one fits the definition above for a True Friend better than Jesus. He is always there for us, no matter how we have behaved. Won't you call upon Him today? Friends love to spend time together, right?
It is easy for us to recognize a True Friend. They are there for you no matter what the situation may be, they are not in the relationship for their own personal gain and they stick by you no matter how horrible you may behave. But the verse above really cause me to pause and rethink friendship.
I can understand not forsaking your friends - that is what friends are for. But your father's friend? Look closely at the first part of the verse - you have a responsibility to not only your friends but your parent's friends as well. Why? I personally (not biblically) believe it is part of showing respect to our parents by honoring their friends. Especially, as the years slip by, it is comforting to know that the younger generation will befriend the elderly in times of need. We have many references that the Lord will plead the cause of widows (Psalms 146:9). Hence we should show them respect and honor.
And the second half of the verse above is even more challenging. We often misquote it by saying "better is a friend in the day of our calamity". But Solomon did not use friend, he used neighbor. A neighbor? I believe Solomon was alluding to Jesus' teachings. Let me explain. Did Jesus not say "Love thy neighbor as thyself" in Matthew 22:37-39? And look closely at Jesus guidance in John 15:12-14: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." So if we love our neighbor as our self and we demonstrate our love for friends by giving up our life for them, our neighbors will be our friends!
What a challenge! If we demonstrate our love to our neighbor, he will be our friend... and the love we should demonstrate is the love of Christ. It all comes full circle - as the love of Christ flows out of us to others, we can not help but be their friend!
I love the promise in John 15:14, that we will be His friend, if we follow His commandments. There is no one better to cast our cares upon than our Best Friend - Jesus Christ. No one fits the definition above for a True Friend better than Jesus. He is always there for us, no matter how we have behaved. Won't you call upon Him today? Friends love to spend time together, right?
August 26, 2011
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by ears. Proverbs 26:17
It is very tempting, at times, for us to meddle where we have no business. When we see people who are arguing, we sometimes feel that it is our responsibility to add our "two cents" into the conversation. And the results? Much like described above, it is similar to grabbing a dog by the ears. You are more than likely going to get bitten, you are just not sure which hand! Is it not the same in the middle of a confrontation when you stick your nose in? You will get "snapped at" but you never know which side will lash back.
Rarely is advice given during turmoil heeded. Both sides need to cool down in order to listen to reason. So why do we risk it with such dismal results? Because we think we can help. And while we know that counsel provided to calm people is beneficial, it is like casting your pearls before the swine when the individual is irrational. (Matthew 7:6)
What is our best recourse when we see strife between people we know? Prayer. Only He can perform miracles; including repairing relationships. Do you know someone suffering from personal strife? Lift them up to the Lord. For he knows their situation and can solve all of our problems. Save our pearls and keep our hands from being bitten, for he is the answer to any problems we may have!
It is very tempting, at times, for us to meddle where we have no business. When we see people who are arguing, we sometimes feel that it is our responsibility to add our "two cents" into the conversation. And the results? Much like described above, it is similar to grabbing a dog by the ears. You are more than likely going to get bitten, you are just not sure which hand! Is it not the same in the middle of a confrontation when you stick your nose in? You will get "snapped at" but you never know which side will lash back.
Rarely is advice given during turmoil heeded. Both sides need to cool down in order to listen to reason. So why do we risk it with such dismal results? Because we think we can help. And while we know that counsel provided to calm people is beneficial, it is like casting your pearls before the swine when the individual is irrational. (Matthew 7:6)
What is our best recourse when we see strife between people we know? Prayer. Only He can perform miracles; including repairing relationships. Do you know someone suffering from personal strife? Lift them up to the Lord. For he knows their situation and can solve all of our problems. Save our pearls and keep our hands from being bitten, for he is the answer to any problems we may have!
August 25, 2011
Taking Care of Your Enemies
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. Proverbs 25:21-22
Oh, sweet revenge! Have you ever had the pleasure of having the upper hand on someone who has done you wrong? You know the one - the individual, that just the thought of their name makes your blood pressure boil. How you have longed for the day to pay them back for the injustice they have done? And now, there they are - at your mercy. What a feeling! Your mind races with various options to make them grovel, to humiliate them, to show the world how worthless they really are....
But wait. Solomon tells us above to do something totally different. Be nice to them. What? After all these years of suffering and now be nice to them? When I have them in the palm of my hand and able to crush them like the bug that they are? Yes, be kind to them. Paul repeats the guidance in Romans 12:20-21. And goes on to say, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" That's easy for Paul to say. He never met this creature that has caused me such heartache!
And yes, David gives us a physical demonstration as well. Remember his actions of catching Saul sleeping after being chased around the mountains for years? Did he give the mad king what he deserved? Nope, he let him go. Twice. (I Samuel 24:4 and I Samuel 26:8). I am not sure that I could forgive such a man once, let alone twice.
And Jesus recognized my weakness. Therefore he gave specific guidance, especially to me, regarding our enemies in Matthew 5:43-48. And he goes even a step father in that we should pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us.
And does he ever give us an example. On the cross. He prays for their forgiveness. (Luke 23:34) I can not say that anyone has harmed me to the point of taking my life. And here is our Savior giving his life for those who despised him and praying for their forgiveness. Including me and you before our repentance. If we are truly trying to be Christ-like, he forgave us - why can't we forgive others? It makes my anger and hatred seem petty.
Do you have someone in your life that has caused you pain and suffering? Why not pray for them today? Seeks God's grace to allow you the strength to forgive them as well. Then we can understand Jesus in verse 48 saying, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect".
Oh sweet forgiveness! As we bask in the knowledge of being forgiven by our Savior, lest us share forgiveness with our enemies.
Oh, sweet revenge! Have you ever had the pleasure of having the upper hand on someone who has done you wrong? You know the one - the individual, that just the thought of their name makes your blood pressure boil. How you have longed for the day to pay them back for the injustice they have done? And now, there they are - at your mercy. What a feeling! Your mind races with various options to make them grovel, to humiliate them, to show the world how worthless they really are....
But wait. Solomon tells us above to do something totally different. Be nice to them. What? After all these years of suffering and now be nice to them? When I have them in the palm of my hand and able to crush them like the bug that they are? Yes, be kind to them. Paul repeats the guidance in Romans 12:20-21. And goes on to say, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" That's easy for Paul to say. He never met this creature that has caused me such heartache!
And yes, David gives us a physical demonstration as well. Remember his actions of catching Saul sleeping after being chased around the mountains for years? Did he give the mad king what he deserved? Nope, he let him go. Twice. (I Samuel 24:4 and I Samuel 26:8). I am not sure that I could forgive such a man once, let alone twice.
And Jesus recognized my weakness. Therefore he gave specific guidance, especially to me, regarding our enemies in Matthew 5:43-48. And he goes even a step father in that we should pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us.
And does he ever give us an example. On the cross. He prays for their forgiveness. (Luke 23:34) I can not say that anyone has harmed me to the point of taking my life. And here is our Savior giving his life for those who despised him and praying for their forgiveness. Including me and you before our repentance. If we are truly trying to be Christ-like, he forgave us - why can't we forgive others? It makes my anger and hatred seem petty.
Do you have someone in your life that has caused you pain and suffering? Why not pray for them today? Seeks God's grace to allow you the strength to forgive them as well. Then we can understand Jesus in verse 48 saying, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect".
Oh sweet forgiveness! As we bask in the knowledge of being forgiven by our Savior, lest us share forgiveness with our enemies.
