Monday, January 28, 2013

"Forgive As The LORD Forgave You."

The grace of forbearance

"You have heard that it was said,
'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil
person. If someone strikes you 
on the right cheek, turn to him 
the other also."   Matthew 5:38-39

There are at least two motives which
should be sufficient to lead us to
cultivate the grace of forbearance

One is that no insult can do us harm--
unless we allow it to irritate us. 
If we endure even the sorest 
words, as JESUS endured 
HIS wrongs and revilings--
they will not leave one 
trace of injury upon us. 

They can harm us only when 
we allow ourselves to become 
impatient or angry. We can get 
the victory over them and utterly 
disarm them of power to do us injury--
by holding ourselves superior to them. 

The feeling of resentment 
will change to pity--
when we remember that 
not he who is wronged--
but he who does the wrong, 
is the one who suffers.

And to help in bearing with 
disagreeable people or 
those with unamiable qualities, 
there is nothing better than a 
sincere wish to do them good.

"Bear with each other and forgive 
whatever grievances you may have 
against one another. Forgive as 
the LORD forgave you." Colossians 3:13

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony 
with one another; be sympathetic, 
love as brothers, be compassionate 
and humble. Do not repay evil with 
evil or insult with insult, but with 
blessing, because to this you were 
called so that you may inherit a 
blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

   ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

GraceGems has published Timothy Shay Arthur's short story,
"The Iron Will".

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