unForgiven (1992--Eastwood)

I'm adopting a new trend. I think I'm naming all of my blogs after movies. Here's my first...

So, I've been reading and hearing a lot about forgiveness lately. Now, I don't have any unforgiveness in my heart, do I? Well, I didn't think so. Last night, dh and I were looking at Luke 6. It was verses 27 and 28 that really struck me.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

I thought, I'm doing pretty good. Although, it wasn't automatic, I've learned to treat evil coworkers, associates, and others, with a reasonable amount of respect and pleasantries. I also pray for them. But, then I woke up this morning.

I had a message in my Inbox from my most hated Ex! I know I shouldn't use the word "hate". But, sometimes, I do believe I hate him. It's not always present. Most of the time, I'm okay and don't think I would cringe as badly if I ever saw him again. But, I know something would be there--something not Christ like. My flesh is telling me to curse him to Hell (the place) and never speak to him again. But...

is that what Jesus would do??? When, I think about the cross and all He endured, for evil men, such as me, it makes my unForgiveness seem so shallow and unjustified. It also my goal to never allow any form of bondage to rule over me. Unforgiveness has this stinking tendency to do that. So, Sassy has a LOT to pray and think on today.

Unity in the Body?

This week I've thought a lot about friendships and adversaries. Ironically, our Bible study lesson at church discussed loving our enemies. It led me to reflect upon my enemies. I realized that many of my past enemies have been other Christians. That blew my mind! So often in the Bible, we see our enemy referred to as Satan or his agents. But, practically, I believe many Christians' enemies are fellow believers in Christ.

This led me to wonder, why is it that Christians--who have the Holy Spirit inside them--can't get along with other Christians? Obviously, I recognize the easy answers: Different personalities, life experiences, and ways of viewing the world. But, we serve the God whose power is imminent and unfailing. We have the same spirit (Holy Spirit) inside of us and say we love the same God (Jesus Christ). Therefore, should His power and presence not have preeminence in our lives over the differences we have with other believers? Certainly, God is able to overcome our personality conflicts, opinions, and experiences, to draw us together in one faith and one love. The Bible teaches us this and I've lived it.

I don't believe that I have current enemies, but if we're being honest, there are several fellow Christians that get on my last good nerve (and I probably get on their's too)! I'd love to give them a good shake and tell them to stop being so fake and full of themselves. So, I'm challenged today to seek peace with my brothers and sisters...to pray for them and see them with eyes of grace--just as the Lord sees me. It's my prayer that those who see me as one of those nerve wracking Christians would do the same for me.

Matthew 5:43-48