It’s a classic story really. Lisa likes Ben. Ben likes Lisa. Mandy steals Ben from Lisa. Lisa and Mandy hate each other. The end. This is just one instance where people have problems between them but they don’t get resolved. People resent each other and are angry with one another. “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’, is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’, will be in danger of the fire of hell”. Matthew 5:22. Jesus condemns staying angry. Resent is a sin, we need to realize this.
Let’s put a new twist on this classic story. What if Lisa were to go and reconcile with Mandy instead of resenting her! Reconciling would make things so much better! Can you imagine our world if everyone were to reconcile with each other?! Real reconciliation is about the little things, it’s about immediate action, it’s about taking the first step, it isn’t always successful, but most importantly it’s about what God does within us. God doesn’t command us to be successful, but He does command us to be obedient. We must reconcile to obey Him.
While we do obey we must realize that delayed obedience is disobedience. So we must hurry and reconcile. People are hesitant to reconcile because they believe it won’t work, it’s too late, it won’t make any difference, or it’s not that big of a deal. Think about it. If you leave your hand on a burning stove the longer you let your hand linger the worse the burns will get. The same thing for reconciliation, if you just let the problem sit there it will get worse and harder to reconcile. So JUST DO IT!
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men of their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” Matthew 6:14-15. This verse shows us how important it is to forgive people. Remember how God died on the cross for our sins? And how if we confess our sins to Him and ask for forgiveness we will be saved? We also have to forgive others when they sin against us in order for God to forgive our sins.
People often have objections to forgiving, but…, but…., but… “But they were wrong”, “But I didn’t do anything”, “But it isn’t my fault”, “But it won’t fix anything”. NO BUTS! Okay? Do realize forgiveness is not acting, you can’t just say you forgive someone because the forgiveness is within the heart. Nor is it denial, it’s not saying they weren’t wrong, it’s saying that it is not being resented. Forgiveness isn’t amnesia either; you’re not forgetting what has been done. Many people thing that forgiving will change things; but forgiveness is not change, it doesn’t change what has happened. And forgiveness defiantly is not easy. It’s a tough thing to do. While forgiveness may be challenging, YOU CAN DO IT! He will help us if we do it.
It is very vital that we grasp the concept that forgiveness doesn’t always change others. Some people are turned away from forgiving because of this, because the thing it will not matter that they forgave. But forgiveness does change you, and that’s what matters. Have you ever heard the saying “forgive and forget”? Do not listen to that line that is constantly thought to be good in our society today. If we could forget we wouldn’t need to forgive!
When do you need to forgive people? And when not? Even the little things are important to forgive. If it matters, forgive. Forgiveness does matter. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 4:32- 5:1-2.
We live in a world where anger, resentment, and fighting occur all around us. So take a stand! Be different! Don’t be angry with people, but reconcile with them and forgive.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debtss, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one."
Matthew 6:8-13
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