Scripture
Psalm 96:2 CEB
Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Share the news of his saving work every single day!
Consider
Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” In other words, the way we treat others shows our heart, and people are quick to spot a hypocrite. If we live out the gospel that we believe, then people will be attracted to Christ because of what they see in us. If, however, our behavior doesn’t bear out the faith we profess to have, then people without faith will dismiss us as frauds and likely dismiss our God as well.
When we forgive one another, we embody the gospel, which means making God’s love and grace visible to others. People can see in us what they saw in Jesus—the grace and reconciling desire of the Father to save and restore every person. In forgiving others, we share this gospel—this good news—of God’s redemptive love and forgiveness.
Conversely, when we cling to our anger and refuse to forgive, we share the bad news that sin holds powerful sway over us, defeating even our best intentions to live a life that pleases God.
Either way, how we act, more than what we say, sends a message about our faith and the God we love.
To be effective reconciling agents, we need three qualities:
- Humility to acknowledge all the wrong turns, selfish choices, and defiant living that God continues to forgive in us.
- Gratitude for the immeasurable gift of Christ’s suffering in our place to reclaim our souls for goodness.
- Open hearts to receive from God both the will and the courage to reach out in love either to forgive those who have wronged us or to ask forgiveness from those we ourselves have wronged.
Pray
Gracious Father, I ask for the grace and strength I need to forgive those who have harmed me. Help me to be aware of how my actions speak louder than my words, and that my stubborn heart hurts people by denying them your incarnate light in me. Daily refresh my memory of your goodness to me that I may daily share the good news of your love with others.
Reflect
Matthew 6:12, 13; Colossians 3:12, 13
Ponder
Who might be looking at me today for a glimpse of God’s forgiving heart?
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