corrective action – Revelations In Writing

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven out debtors. – (Matthew 6:12, NIV)

Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. – (Matthew 6:12, ERV)

And forgive us out debts as we forgive those who owe us something. – (Matthew 6:12, VOICE)

Yesterday, at church, our current series in the Lord’s Prayer continued with the verse above. As the pastor was unpacking the process, I felt pretty okay about my own heart, as I am fairly quick to listen to His prompting and forgive others and ask for His forgiveness for myself. Then, not even an hour after I returned home, I spoke on the phone with a dear friend, and she unpacked a harrowing tale of injustice and horrible misjudgment that could have cost her life. Thankfully, she is okay now, but the anger and frustration at what transpired rose up in me as she unpacked her story. After we had spoken for a while, the still small voice reminded me of what I had just heard in church. We talked about how forgiveness does not mean mistreatment is ever okay, but rather it releases the offended from the weight of a grudge or desire for revenge. In the arena where she suffered, corrective action must be taken, yet it does not have to come from a place of anger. When forgiveness enters in, there is opportunity to educate and inform many as to what should have transpired, rather than continually “throwing stones” to retaliate. I imagine in this circumstance, as in so many others, forgiveness will have to be practiced again and again before the anger and frustration subside. God is good, and He can use all things for His glory. I loathe that she experienced what she did, but can only imagine how God will turn it around to bring positive change for many. The final verse that the pastor shared toward the close of his message is one that resonates in this situation as well. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, unjustly, and had been beaten, flogged, spat on, insulted and mocked, His final words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24) In my friend’s case, I believe similar words ring true, as they clearly did not know what they were doing, nor did they realize the damage that their words and actions caused. May we ever seek the Lord to show us again and again how to forgive, and ever ask for forgiveness ourselves. We all fall short and need the Savior to cleanse us from our unrighteousness and keep us in His loving care.

We’re purposely called,

to pray to the Lord;

ask for forgiveness,

not keep wrongs ignored.

Also, He calls us,

to choose to forgive;

the sins against us,

each day that we live.

Forgive all the wrongs,

no matter how bad;

for He took the cross,

so we’d understand.

Understand His grace,

forgiveness and love;

and how we are called,

to do as He does.

If He could forgive,

when He’d done no wrong;

He will help us too,

throughout our life long.

He grants us the strength,

to cling fast to Him;

and release the wrongs,

again and again.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You’re always good;

You love and forgive,

make grace understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each time that we seek You to forgive us, You remove our sin from us as far as the east is from the west. Thank You that You call us to do likewise. Not in our own strength, but in Yours. Thank You that when we ask, You empower us to forgive again and again, much in the same way You continue to forgive us for our missteps and shortcomings. Forgive us for the times that we hold onto our own sin or the sin of others rather than releasing all unto You. Teach us to trust You to lead us in Your love so that we can forgive others as we have been forgiven by You. Show us how to love as You do so that all might come to know the power of Your loving kindness and the goodness of Your forgiveness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to forgive others and listen to You to show us what we need to ask You to forgive. Amen.

But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. – Psalm 130:4

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