“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (V.11)
Ignoring or overlooking an offense is not natural, but a godly virtue. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and when believers are walking in self-control, they are able to restrain their reactions, watch their words, and master their attitudes. This must continue throughout our life here on earth, if we are to remain wise people, who are slow to anger.
In Matthew’s gospel, Peter asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive someone, as many as seven times?” Jesus replied with, “No, you should forgive seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21). And even after that, we are to continue forgiving this side of heaven. Holding no grudges, keeping no recoerd, forgiving others even as Christ has forgiven us.
Of course, we don’t always pull this off. We fail. We blow up. We temporarily hold grudges and forget who we are and just how much we were forgiven. But, as Christians, we must always get back on course and walk by His true forgiving nature once again. Remember, this is a lifelong process, we are all under construction, so don't be so hard on yourself when you blow it. After all, God is very forgiving to us (see Philippians 1:6, Romans 5:1,12:2).
Therefore, forgive others, be patient and longsuffering with others (even yourself if necessary), as God has forgiven you.
The Truth: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Ignoring or overlooking an offense is not natural, but a godly virtue. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and when believers are walking in self-control, they are able to restrain their reactions, watch their words, and master their attitudes. This must continue throughout our life here on earth, if we are to remain wise people, who are slow to anger.
In Matthew’s gospel, Peter asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive someone, as many as seven times?” Jesus replied with, “No, you should forgive seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21). And even after that, we are to continue forgiving this side of heaven. Holding no grudges, keeping no recoerd, forgiving others even as Christ has forgiven us.
Of course, we don’t always pull this off. We fail. We blow up. We temporarily hold grudges and forget who we are and just how much we were forgiven. But, as Christians, we must always get back on course and walk by His true forgiving nature once again. Remember, this is a lifelong process, we are all under construction, so don't be so hard on yourself when you blow it. After all, God is very forgiving to us (see Philippians 1:6, Romans 5:1,12:2).
Therefore, forgive others, be patient and longsuffering with others (even yourself if necessary), as God has forgiven you.
The Truth: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
