Expanding Our Forgiveness

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)

The Sunday school lesson from this morning really has me thinking. It was a lesson from Ezekiel 18 that reminds us that "we reap what we sow". That is all true, but what has me thinking was the homework I gave out.

Imagine how many people in our lives that have offended, hurt, angered, or endangered us. Because of that hurt, how many other people have we deemed guilty just because of their guilt by association? Let me say it another way, how often have we subconsciously pushed away someone who maintained a relationship with the person we have an issue with? Why do we do that? Why do we use guilt by association?

Do we do it because that person did not stand up for us? Do we do it because we want someone to intervene and they don't?

What do we do about it? How do we correct it?

The homework was for the students to identify someone who hurt them and write their name in a larger circle. They were next to write in smaller circles the names of people we may have pushed away because of guilt by association. Finally, they are to make peace with the others and ask for forgiveness. If possible, they are to seek a peaceful resolution with the offending party - at least find a way to forgive.

How hard would that task be for you? How about trying it yourself? Peace is such a lasting feeling. Anger however is an oppressing feeling. Why not try getting some extra weight off today?

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'
22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
Matt 5:21-26 (NKJV)

Next week we are talking about the scientific communities' worst fear - intelligent design.....