Day 161: Quick Draw Forgiveness
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions.
Principle
We are most like Christ when we cover sins.
Have you noticed that when Jesus was being beaten, tortured, spat upon, mocked, ridiculed, and even crucified – he still seemed in control? So much so that while antipathy rallied against Him, He made this request, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
An early follower of Jesus named Stephen was incredibly persuasive in speaking and demonstrated signs and wonders among the people. Jealous leaders stirred up contentions against him, lying about what he had said, and calling his character into question. During the hasty trial, Stephen was so convincing with his argument about the life and death of Jesus; haters picked up stones to murder him. As he is being martyred, he says, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Interestingly, a young man named Saul was there at the stoning of Stephen. This Saul would become Paul, the most influential Apostle in Christianity. With his forgiveness, Stephen released this murder from his record.
These two examples are the pinnacle of someone covering transgressions. Yet, we are often much quicker on the draw to lash out against anyone who shows us dislike. When someone treats us with disrespect, we show our disgust immediately. If anyone trespasses upon our rights, we want to straighten them out.
I will admit, this one has been the most difficult for me. I have been pretty quick to let people know where they stand with me. I have never been accused of being patient. Sometimes my Oklahoma nature is to fight first, then ask questions.
I’ve seen the wisdom of covering transgressions. Both Jesus and Stephen were in control of themselves during their deaths – when hatred so moved people to kill them – they responded with forgiveness. They proved better than their adversaries. They were superior.
Remember:
The one who forgives is in control. Share on X
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