We Can’t Pick and Choose

No one is pardoned from trials. No pastor, teacher, christian or non-christian is eliminated from hard times, trials, and frustration.  No one is pardoned from making mistakes either. When something happens in our lives that hurts us we want to lash out in anger, destructive words and things that would make that person feel worse than they probably already do. But we can’t do this. We need to be honest in how we feel, but there is a way to be tactful and honest. When I’m angry – as in someone has double crossed me – I want to blow up. When someone has hurt me – I cry my eyes out and then most likely go thru emotions of anger because I may not understand why something has happened.

At the end of the day – I have to treat a situation like Christ would treat it. I have had my feelings hurt — who hasn’t? Sure, I could have screamed and shouted and went off like a raving lunatic but what would that really accomplish? God would give forgiveness, mercy and love. So I decided to approach the situation like this. Everyone deserves forgiveness regardless of the matter at hand. Granted, it’s not always easy… forgiveness is like love – it’s not an emotion, it’s an action. God commands us to forgive and turn both cheeks. We can’t pick and choose what we are forgiving and what we are not.

Galatians 6:1 MSG

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.

mer·cy

n.pl.mer·cies

1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one’s power; clemency.

2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving: a heart full of mercy.

3. Something for which to be thankful; a blessing: It was a mercy that no one was hurt.

4. Alleviation of distress; relief: Taking in the refugees was an act of mercy.

Leviticus 19:18 MSG

“Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. “Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God.

Numbers 14:18 MSG

God, slow to get angry and huge in loyal love, forgiving iniquity and rebellion and sin; Still, never just whitewashing sin. But extending the fallout of parents’ sins to children into the third, even the fourth generation.

Jeremiah 31:3 MSG

…  God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!