Forgiveness

I could probably write forever on this topic. There is just so much to say about it. I am certainly nowhere near perfect at it. Wish I was.

As Christians, we often feel the need to defend ourselves rather than ask for forgiveness.

"The Bible doesn't say it's a sin."

But as Christians, we're called to be mindful of those weak in their faith. If others see me drinking alcohol and they struggle with it believing it to be a sin, or else they think it okay and develop a drinking problem, some of the responsibility for that lies on me. So I will be mindful of that.

 "You misunderstood me." "I didn't mean it that way." "You're being too sensitive."

We're putting the blame on the other person that their feelings are wrong and they should not feel that way. We think they need to toughen up, develop a thicker skin, and not let what we say or do bother them.

It is not kindness to dismiss the hurt in others, especially if it was caused, even inadvertently by us. Instead of justifying myself, which is weakness, saying to that person, "I am sorry, will you please forgive me?" shows great humility and strength. The world would say the former is strength and the latter is weakness, but God is not like us. After all, the Bible says the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom.