One the most annoying things about Jesus is that he forgives sins.
Specifically, he forgives the sins you have committed against me.
I’m cool with Jesus forgiving my sins.
But I think Jesus should at least ASK me before he forgives your sins.
You’ve done some horrible things.
You lied to me.
You used me.
You made me feel unimportant.
You stole my wallet, burned my house down, and shot my dog.
Then along comes Jesus and forgives EVERYTHING!
I’m not even finished being outraged yet!
I was hoping to hold on to some of those grievances.
They were the beginnings of tidy grudges.
Grudges help me feel morally superior to you.
I want Jesus to wash me whiter than snow but leave you a little dingy.
So I shine brighter.
One of the hardest things Christianity teaches is this:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
That short phrase destroys my virtuous entitlements.
Jesus sacrifice on the cross is a double-edged blessing.
It obliterates my sins – but slices my pride to ribbons.
Your sin is obliterated too.
Even though I’d like to hold it against you for a while longer.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12
One Response
This is such a great post and really speaks to something I think every Christian struggles with in our relationships with other people. The line about me being a little brighter and other person staying a little dingy sums it up perfectly.
If we can put our own pride away and love and forgive people the way Jesus does we will find ourselves being more Christ like, which is one of our goals as a follower of Christ.