“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all evil types of behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgive you.”
-Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
Every person is different. We all have quirks and different personalities, so naturally it is easy for people to get on your nerves. It may just be those personality quirks that offend you. Generally when someone offends you, everything they do tends to annoy you, right? The way they walk, talk, and basically the way they do life in general annoys you. Before you know it, you have such a strong dislike for someone just because they have too loud of a laugh, dress differently from you, or because they don’t follow you on Instagram.
You see, offense is a trap. John Bevere says that it’s “the bait of Satan.” It’s Satan’s trap that keeps us from living everyday Jesus. It’s a bitter root that has the capability of infecting the whole person. It changes the way someone thinks, acts and feels. It is a dangerous, blinding perspective of life. It’s why your cranky next door neighbor is the way he is. It could also be the reason why things just aren’t working out between you and your friend. Or your parents. Or teachers. Or pastor. …Or God.
Now let’s talk about Jesus for a moment. Could you imagine Him being offended? What if He said things like, “Oh God, I didn’t deserves to be treated like that!” or “How dare the Pharisees talk to me that way! Don’t they know that I’m the Son of God?” It sounds ridiculous, right? Well, why isn’t it just as ridiculous when we say things like that? Jesus never would have said these things, and in fact, He said the exact opposite. The man who knew no sin died a sinner’s death, endured the worst form of torture in history and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” He forgave His own murderers even as He was dying!
Here’s the deal: Jesus forgave you. And He forgets what you did. He also said that it was worth the price He paid. Matthew 6:12 says to forgive others just as God has forgiven you. The awesome thing about being forgiven of your sins is that they are completely forgotten as well (Hebrews 8:12). It is like Jesus asks, “What sin are you talking about? I see no sin.” Jesus isn’t up in heaven saying, “Oh, why did they do that to me? How dare they! Look at the way they walk…”
His emotions and attitude aren’t subject to our actions. Neither should our emotions and attitude be subject to someone else’s actions.
Forgiveness is the spiritual Drain-o for a heart clogged with offense. Being able to forgive someone won’t only cause you to live more freely, but also be able to fulfill God’s perfect plan for your life. Here’s another thing: His plan for you has no stress, no depression, nor any grudges included! You can live a life full of joy, happiness, and the blessing of God, all because you decided to forgive. Forgiveness is like a boomerang that will put you right back into the will of God for your life.
[hr style=”2″ margin=”30px 0px 30px 0px”]everydayMISSION:
Today, if someone upsets you, I challenge you to quickly realize it and forgive them. You can’t forgive without love; go back and read “everydayLOVE” from the first day of our journey. Also look at Ephesians 4:31-32. Jesus was quick to forgive and so should we! Forgiveness will release freedom in your life.
[hr style=”2″ margin=”30px 0px 30px 0px”]everydayCONVERSATION:
“Lord, I thank You for forgiving me for my past mistakes and any mistakes I may make in the future. Because of the quick forgiveness You have towards me, I can now do the same towards others. Fill me with that same quick-forgiving spirit. Even though the things others may have done seem unforgivable, I know that I can forgive through You. I will not allow bitterness to enter into my heart, but choose to forgive, which will allow me to walk in freedom to fulfill the call You have in my life. I declare this in Jesus’ name, amen!”
-Spencer Shriver
5FA Intern