“Make allowance for each other’s faults . . remember the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NLT
“Hurting people hurt others; don’t become one of them.”
My thoughts today are that “nobody’s perfect.”
It’s pretty simply: being hurt hurts. Usually, it was not something intended. That doesn’t make it hurt less, but it does make it easier to forgive. Anyone can make a mistake, say something without forethought, overlook someone without intent, or do something less kind than they thought it would be. Nobody’s perfect. When something happens to make you wonder, “How could they do that?” Remember, that you have done the very same.
The Bible’s answer is also pretty simple. “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive the person who offends you.” You simply choose to forgive and forget. “Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.” Romans 12:18 NLT. Your action is unilateral. It doesn’t depend on “talking about it or working it out.” You make a choice and take an action. It’s over, the record is clean; your future unencumbered. It’s simple.
But what about the person who meant to hurt you. Hurting people hurt others. Don’t become one of them. They often don’t even realize that they do. Mean becomes a habit. Someone, somewhere, started a chain reaction having nothing to do with you at all. They’ve been treated poorly, and feel justified in doing the same. Usually, you weren’t the cause of their unhappiness, just the object of their unhappiness at the moment. The Bible’s answer is again pretty simple, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others . . and let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your heart.” Colossians 3:13/15 NLT. Do you want to be more like Him? Or become a little more like them? See Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV.
Nobody’s perfect! Neither are you, but never allow yourself that excuse, while readily granting that kind of grace to others. It’s good to remind yourself of the benefits of treating others charitably. You will be a better person when you do. You will be happier because you do. Forgiveness relates you to God; unforgiveness chains you to a person who hurt you. You can’t forget them; what they said or did crowds into your thoughts, resurrecting every old emotion that you felt. Forgiveness is easier the sooner you give it. Delay makes the task harder.
Here’s how to dress for success: “Clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience . . and the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony . . you are called to live in peace . . let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your heart and make you wise.” Colossians 12-16 NLT.
My prayer for you today is that you are careful not to hurt others or be hurt by them.