Time to Forgive

Gò0dNews for Men

Time to Forgive

by Dave Adams

It’s time to forgive one another…just like Tiny Tim did.

“God Bless us, everyone.” That is one of the most remembered phrases in the story, A Christmas Carol, about Ebenezer Scrooge. In the story, a man who was very indifferent to his fellow man came to understand the joys of love and forgiveness. None of us want to be called a Scrooge, but it is a lesson we all could learn to some extent, especially now.

We live in a time when there is tremendous judgement and polarization in our society. Today, we are being asked to pick a side. Jesus warns us not to judge one another and to “love one another.” In John 13:34, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that is to love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus also said, “the world will know you are my disciples by the love you show one for another” (John 13:35).

Jesus was speaking at a time when there was tremendous judgement of people because of their heritage. Jesus shares with us the story of the Good Samaritan. To some in that day, the term “Good Samaritan” would have been heresy. Samaritans were considered ritually unclean. They had intermarried with non-Jews and some had honored foreign gods.

Jesus used examples of the day to demonstrate love, forgiveness and restoration. It is amazing that Jesus would have used a race of people who had worshiped other Gods. In this, Jesus is saying that forgiveness and restoration is essential in a Christian’s life.

Jesus does warn not to keep sinning. This is exemplified in the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. In John 8:1, the religious leaders of the day used the law to trip up Jesus. They seized a woman caught in adultery and threw her at the feet of Jesus, demanding immediate execution of sentence. Stone her and do it now!

Jesus admitted, “Yes, this woman is guilty,” and in a brilliant move to unmask the true condition of their hearts, adds “he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” One by one the men dropped their stones and walked away, starting with the oldest. The oldest representing the one who had the most sin. Jesus turned to the woman and said where are your accusers? The woman said they are not here. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Caught in the very act, Jesus is willing to forgive those who truly repent.

Do you need more examples? Jesus weeping over Jerusalem—a city that kills prophets—and going to the cross to die for sinners.

Is it going to take a visit from the ghost of Christmas past before we get the message? We as Christians, need to exemplify the grace and compassion of forgiveness. We also need to pray about how to “walk the walk” in this stormy reality in which we live.

About The Author

Dave Adams served as a pastor for two years in Bend, Oregon. Adams is licensed through Christian Global Outreach Ministries. Adams is working on several outreaches, including, The Jesus Network, USA Heartbeat, Operation Eagles Wings, and Back the Blue Radio. Adams has lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for more than two years and plans on staying in the south.

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