Why We Must Forgive and Endure the Faults of Others
CAUTION: Please read the content of this blog prayerfully, and discuss areas warranting more clarity with your pastor.
As Christians, we must forgive, because we need GOD’s forgiveness. We are growing into the likeness of JESUS CHRIST, but have not yet “arrived.” This does not mean that Christians are licensed to continually and willfully sin…. (The bible clearly states that, while we cannot earn salvation, we must work out our salvation “with fear and trembling,” and that we must always “press toward the mark” with the assistance of the HOLY GHOST, Philippians 2:12-15; II Corinthians 3:18; and II Corinthians 7:1). We are being changed from “glory to glory,” yet because we exhibit imperfections, we are in daily need of the mercy and forgiveness of GOD.
Our brothers and sisters (and unsaved acquaintances) are, likewise, imperfect and exhibit deficiencies that may be different from (and often incompatible with) our life preferences. JESUS, WHO died for our sins, said that if we do not forgive others, then neither will HIS FATHER, WHO is in Heaven forgive us (Matthew 6:16). In Matthew 18: 22-34, our SAVIOR shared a parable about a servant who owed his master 10,000 talents (which is equivalent to several million dollars, according to some commentaries). Being unable to pay the debt, it was commanded that the servant, his wife and children, and all of the servant’s belongings be sold. However, as a result of the servant’s fervent pleading for mercy, the master forgave him the debt. Subsequent to this event, the servant encountered a debtor who owed the servant $39.84. The servant choked the debtor and had him thrown into prison. When this horrible event was brought to the master’s attention, the servant was then delivered to the torturers. With this in mind, how does the debt owed to us compare to the debt that we owe GOD; remember that our sins cost GOD’s SON HIS life.
Medications, which are taken to promote healing, are often ineffective when not used as directed. One can, similarly, conclude that the “wonder-working power” of the Blood of the LAMB does not work effectively in the life of the unforgiving soul or in the life of the one with little patience for the faults of others. Therefore, when struggling with forgiveness or when encountering those who seem to irritate us, keep the following in mind:
1. Use these experiences as opportunities to practice endurance.
2. Treat your obligation to forgive as your personal cross. GOD hates sin, yet CHRIST gave HIS life for those who live in sin and for those who hate HIM. (Remember, we are growing in the likeness of JESUS.)
3. Repaying those who offend us with love and patience can serve as a mirror for the perpetrators, giving them space to reflect on their unpleasant traits. We should also pray privately for these individuals, not spreading the matter by sharing it with a “prayer partner.” (In some cases, this is tantamount to gossiping.)
As a consequence of your obedience to GOD’s WORD and your fervent prayers, GOD may…
a. Remove the offensive person from your “space”;
b. Change their behavior;
c. Strengthen you to be more tolerant;
d. Give you insight into the struggles of the “perceived” perpetrator, transforming your “pain” into compassion;
e. Save their souls (which is most important); or
f. All of the above.
In closing, we are all flawed individuals, who possess faults that grate against the perfect will of a HOLY GOD (many flaws of which we are unaware). Forgiveness is not an option; it is a DIVINE mandate. GOD has made it clear in scripture that forgiveness and long-suffering are prerequisites for entrance into Heaven. By forgiving and tolerating the “perceived” faults of others, not only may our circumstances change, but we will be recipients of GOD’s tender mercies and forgiveness on that Day when we are bowed before HIS Great Throne of Judgment.