Beatitudes - Blessed are the merciful...2 of 2
Matt. 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Last week we talked about the different aspects of how we are called to show mercy to others. This week we are going to focus on one key aspect of mercy - forgiveness. Forgiveness can be both a real challenge for us but can also be a great gift that we can give to bless others and ourselves. The call for us to be good forgivers is not a optional for us as followers of Christ. It is the fruit of a life lived in Christ.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Forgiven people are known by their ability to forgive. The more we are able to embrace the fact of how forgiven we are, the easier it is for us to forgive others. Our pride often stands in the way of forgiveness. Pride impairs our ability to see just how much we need and depend on forgiveness ourselves. If we struggle with forgiveness, it is likely a pride issue.
Holy Spirit helps us forgive. We might not be able to do this in our own strength but we have a Helper for forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships. We need call on and trust in this promise.
Don’t dwell on the offense. As it states in the verse from Ephesians above, “put away” bitterness, anger and wrath. These are fires that need to be fueled. If we stop fueling them, they will go out. It’s been said that “our Enemy helps fuel the fires of bitterness and anger and then warms himself in the flames.” We need to set our minds on other things - we all have too many blessings to even count.
Don’t seek vengeance or vindication. Romans 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Remember that we will need the forgiveness of others. We will offend others either intentionally or unintentionally and will need their forgiveness. Accepting this truth helps us have compassion for those that have offended us.
What if the offending party isn’t seeking forgiveness from us or doesn’t even know if they have offended us? We can have a spirit of “attitudinal forgiveness” towards someone that falls in this category based purely on the concept of grace. In others words, forgive as you want to be forgiven. The Bible says to “Matt. 5:44 love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Reconciliation is different in that it requires involvement from both parties. If the offender is unaware, we may have to take the first step towards reconciliation with them. I am sure that all of us would certainly want to know if we have offended someone.
Have mercy,
Big E
Matt. 5:6