MAKE ALLOWANCE, GET RID OF, OVERLOOK?
September 18, 2024
Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and
slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you”.
Colossians 3:13
… make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone
who offends you.
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to
overlook an offense.”
Yesterday, we tried to clarify some misconceptions regarding forgiveness, saying that for forgiveness to be authentic we must be honest about the impact of hurt or unkindness toward us. In this we recognized that forgiveness is a process that has a worthwhile payoff for us.
Today, lets think about forgiveness and boundaries. Colossians 3:13 says, “forgive anyone who offends you.” So, forgiving one another is unlimited, has no boundaries. The word “offends” refers to any complaint against you (right or wrong), sin against you, or wrong against you. When you are offended by someone you are to forgive them.
This teaching is not just a New Testament teaching, in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament in Proverbs 19:11 we encounter a similar teaching which says, “a person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” So, overlooking an offense is immediately forgiving an offense. It is to your glory to overlook an offense, and it is to your dishonour to hold on to an offense. Let it go, says Proverbs 19. Do not isolate this verse from the other verses and thoughts we have looked at, see forgiveness in its broader context.
We live in a fallen world. In a world that is not the way it is supposed to be, we are going to have parents, spouse, children, friends, coworkers, bosses, coaches, teachers, students, and strangers say things and do things that are going to offend you and insult you throughout your entire life. We need to learn how to process and deal with being offended or insulted, if we don’t, we will be bound or trapped in our own prison of holding grudges, being bitter, and being angry at people all our life. I believe the outcome of this is that we will become someone we don’t want to be.
The Bible’s teaching says forgiving one another is to be unlimited. Our forgiveness toward others is unlimited in three aspects. Our forgiveness has no limits in regard to the person, offense, and the amount. Colossians 3:13 says, “Forgive anyone who offends you”.
The Bible calls us to live a life characterized by a constant flow of forgiveness.
Jesus made it clear in Luke 17:4, "Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them." (see also Matthew 18:21-35).
LET US PRAY
“Father, only You understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need Your Grace and the Power of the Cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to experience Your forgiveness.
You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept Your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to You, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with Your grace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
(Prayer published by Rick Warren)
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