We are more likely to forgive others when we realize how selfish and hurtful we ourselves have been. All of us say and do things we later wish we could take back. The discipline of seeking and accepting forgiveness from others frees us from false pride and the need to pretend we are morally superior. To receive someone’s forgiveness motivates and empowers us to be similarly generous with those who need our compassion and mercy.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13)
The weather turns crisp, and we move into the season of thanksgiving mindful of our blessings. Paul reminds us in the above passage that we are not blessed for ourselves alone. We are meant to share with others the light and grace we receive from God. As we have been forgiven, Paul says, we in turn must forgive. He offers not a suggestion but a prescribed way of living for children of faith.
When we are faced with a moral transgression, as in the above story, we must weigh together justice and mercy. Both must be considered for the good of the individual who stands accused as well as for the good of the community. Over time the religious leaders of Jesus’ day had placed increasing emphasis on justice at the expense of mercy. In this story, Jesus reasserted the heart of the law by drawing on compassion from the crowd.
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
Gossip is not a modern phenomenon. Researchers have even suggested there is an evolutionary advantage in sharing information about those in our social circles. People who are most observant, so the reasoning goes, amass details about who in the tribe is trustworthy, desirable, has valuable resources, or poses a threat.
And do not let the eunuch say, “I am just a dry tree.” For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.
Sometimes we may feel so damaged and unworthy that we believe God could not possibly want us to be part of his kingdom family.
