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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
We are often profoundly moved as well as deeply perplexed when people suffer unexpected losses to family and friends, sometimes at the hands of others, but who respond with forgiveness and faith; at times going out of their way to minister to others – including the perpetrators of evil against them – rather than looking to be ministered to. And yet, why is that so surprising? Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, a primary reason for Christ’s coming to earth; offering forgiveness and new life to those who respond to his call to repent and exemplifying in all circumstances what it means to forgive.
On a practical level, refusing to do so – or holding a grudge – is often self-defeating; becoming a bigger hindrance to the one refusing to forgive than to the one who has hurt us. God instructing us to, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Is. 42:8 But is that even possible? Could there be a difference between not remembering and forgetting? We may never be able to completely forget a wrong committed against us but we can make a conscious effort to not remember; not allowing it to rule our thoughts, actions and reactions when dealing with people God calls us to forgive. Sometimes it’s just a matter of listening and understanding where the other person is coming from emotionally. Much hurt and misunderstanding avoided if we practiced James’ admonition to, “…be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
We are expected to be a long-suffering and forgiving people. For, “…judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” James 2:13 Why? Because we all have been and undoubtedly need now to be forgiven! The promise being, “…if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14 As a lack of mercy toward those we can’t – or won’t – forgive contaminates our relationship with God as well; “…when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your heavenly Father may forgive your sins.” Matthew 11:25 Sins unforgiven, prayers unanswered; all as a result of our inability – or unwillingness – to forgive. We must, therefore, continually seek God’s mercy and the forgiveness of others for our own sin before we can expect others – or God – to respond in kind. (See Matthew 5:23,24)
The consequences of unforgiveness are twofold; as a sinful act, in and of itself, it separates us from those around us and from God. “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Romans 2:1 (See also Matthew 7:1-5) As, “…your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you,…” Is. 59:2
Scripture assures us that there is none righteous, not even one; all of us sinning and falling short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:10 & 23) Even if we don’t outwardly practice what some do, we often wish we could. God considers that sin. For, “…he who searches our hearts…” (Romans 8:27), knows what motivates us to do or not do; whether we are kind and caring because we know that is how He would have us be or grudgingly because He commands it. (See also James 2:10) For instance, Exodus 20:15 says do not steal while Exodus 20:17 says do not even covet; do not long for something not yours. Why? Because if we desire something not ours enough, we often take it! Jesus going so far as to equate lust with full-blown adultery. (Matthew 5:27,28) Why? Because sexual acts committed initially in our minds often find expression at some point in the flesh. He also compared calling people names, discounting their worth and neglecting their needs in anger with murder! (Matthew 5:21-23) Why? Because the act of murder is an expression of the idea that life is inconsequential, devoid of real worth and value. If we view others in that context, we may not actually “kill” anyone but we won’t make much effort to see them saved either. Thus the point of Matthew 7:1-5 is not that we shouldn’t be discerning between good and evil or right and wrong but that we shouldn’t be quick to point evil out in others while ignoring – or excusing it – in our own lives.
We must be conscious of the fact that the Lord searches the heart and examines the mind (Jeremiah 17:10), the secrets of our hearts laid bare. (1 Corinthians 14:25) For, “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 Jesus castigating those who did right for the wrong reasons as well. Giving to the needy – to gain recognition. Praying in such a way as to gain notoriety. Fasting to get not God’s attention but the notice of others. As such, they have received their reward, getting not one thing more from God. “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14
Peter once asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” To which Jesus answered with a story wherein a king wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed the king more money than he could possibly pay and was ordered punished. He begged for understanding, patience and mercy; which he received. Yet this same servant, in confronting another who owed him money, showed no mercy at all and had him immediately thrown into prison. Upon hearing what had transpired, the king had the unforgiving servant arrested and more severely punished. Jesus finally warning, “This is how my heavenly father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35 His admonition to Peter to forgive, “…not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”, not meaning we are to enable or encourage people in sin by not holding them accountable for their actions. (See Matthew 18:15-17) Rather, we are to be willing to be taken advantage of and personally mistreated for the sake of the gospel. (Matthew 5:38-42, see also Luke 6:27-30) “Be(ing) merciful, just as your heavenly Father is merciful!” (Luke 6:36)
Much of scripture could be summed up with, “…in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12 But can only be accomplished when we are, “…imitators of God,…” Ephesians 5:1 As such, we will, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 There is no intent here to minimize how hard that can be, but we must learn to love as He loved us (John 15:12), realizing that if He, “…kept a record of sins… who could stand? Psalm 130:3 But, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9; removing our sin, “…as far as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:2 (See also Jeremiah 31:34)
We all have the potential for evil within us and are all more sinful than we care to admit. Consequently we all fail to recognize just how much love and mercy we have received and neglect expressing the kind of appreciation and love for God we should. We are loved and can be loving; we have been forgiven and must be forgiving.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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