If You've Been Forgiven, You Must Forgive

Luke 7:47 says,

I tell you, her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.

Gosh! Is that ever ME! 

Boy have I screwed up BIG TIME...so MANY times!

I've also heard it said this way,

Those who have been forgiven much, forgive much.

Recently, we've been through some real hard stuff. Things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, no matter how much I thought they deserved it. No one should be faced with wondering where their next meal is going to come from. Yet, we have been put in that position, quite unfairly.

But whoever said life was fair?

In fact, I'm not the least bit surprised when it isn't fair. People are selfish...they are cruel and they don't care if you're hurt, your family is hurt, or even if your kids are homeless and starving! As long as they get their way.

How do I know this? I have been that careless selfish person. But more on that in a bit.


I think when people (especially those you think are your friends) hurt you, intentionally or unintentionally for self-righteous, or selfish reasons, they often really don't know what they have set into motion. Then when the worst happens, although I think deep down they know they did wrong, they become indignant or defensive, saying that it was really your fault and that's why you're paying the consequences.

But when you're the instrument that brings about those consequences, YOU are in the wrong.

I have a confession to make. I was once that instrument a long time ago, on one of my jobs. I thought I was right, I thought I knew best, I saw all that was wrong and I just KNEW I was right and that I could fix everything! And when I nearly brought down an entire business and the business owner because of my selfish actions, I had the nerve to blame it on them, saying they deserved it.

But I was just a baby and I didn't know any better, but I did know that I had done wrong (although I wasn't willing to admit it).

I had not paid the high price, put in the long hours, built a reputation through blood, sweat and tears over many years, yet in my immaturity, I had no idea about such things, and was just concerned about myself without a thought to what my actions might cost someone and their very livelihood. Now that I've grown up and understand so much more, I am deeply sorry for what I did. I was wrong.  Since then, I've tried to be mindful of my attitude in the workplace. Haven't always been perfect, but at least I'm mindful and I try.

The Bible says that, "Love covers a multitude of sins." So, in love, it's not my place to condemn others (especially those in authority) just because I disagree with the way they do things.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." My first job is to be pleasing to the Lord in all I do." Because, ultimately, my promotion comes from Him, not from ANYONE else. (Psalm 75:1)

Lord help me to ABSOLUTELY live by Galatians 5:22-26 in ALL that I do. These fruits please you Lord. And I soooo don't want to displease You!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE (Ultimately, do my actions reflect love or do they reflect hate, jealousy and envy?), joy, PEACE (which means I don't create discord and strife), PATIENCE (pray for others and wait for God to work in them, instead of me trying to enact my own brand of justice) KINDNESS (Are my actions kind or hurtful?), goodness, FAITHFULNESS (Am I loyal, faithful and trustworthy?), gentleness and SELF-CONTROL (check my attitude and selfishness at the door and control myself and my actions). Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

I forgive...I forget...and I move on. Who am I not to forgive? I have been forgiven so much myself.