It Doesn’t Hurt Anymore

Scripture tells us to forbear with one another and forgive one another. And this directive comes to us alongside an exhortation to longsuffering. So we must not only forgive, but we must forgive when the offender has offended us before. But what if the offender has not only offended us before, but has offended us several times before and in the exact same way? Yes, even then, we must forgive.

If you are tempted to call this an injustice, and be honest, you are tempted, then take to heart what this table says to you. God’s command is to forgive as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13). Christ has forgiven you in His blood, and you held the spear that pierced His side.

The bread we taste here is not sour bread. And the wine we drink here is not bitter. Bitterness flees from this table. It is a table from which forgiveness flows freely. And the only thing you have contributed to this feast is your sin. Sin from you and grace to you. Corruption from you and substance to you.

As Christ has forgiven you, likewise, forgive one another. When asked for forgiveness from a genuine offender, why should you render peace back when all you have received is clamor? This question must be answered with another. What did you render Christ? Clamor, deception, lust, greed, bitterness, and a thousand other evils.

But what about your loss? What about your wounds? Genuine damage has been done to you and what, are you just supposed to forget about that harm? Well, yes, you must forget about the harm. You must forget about the sting. The sting was removed at the cross. But you can use those wounds as Jesus did. You can use them as proofs of resurrected forgiveness. Come reach out your finger and touch his pierced hands. Thrust your hand into His side. It doesn’t hurt anymore. Come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ.

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