Throughout his writings the apostle Paul established a terrific example. He would almost always (after giving a few words of greeting) begin his epistle by laying out a solid doctrinal foundation, often spanning chapters, and then he would build upon that foundation with practical advice for living. It is a great example as it recalls to our minds the fact that doctrine is relevant and real. In other words, it matters.
Almost every one of Paul’s epistles follows this pattern, and the book of Romans is no exception. As you may recall, the apostle takes the first several chapters to demonstrate the total sinfulness of mankind, the responsibility to be reconciled to God, and the truth that the only way to accomplish that reconciliation is through faith in the finished work of Jesus. He even spends a little time (chapters 9-11) in dealing with the place of Israel in the plan of God. Then, after all these wonderful truths are laid out, Paul makes a strong, heartfelt appeal.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:1-21)
There is so much that could be touched on in this great text. Topics that would stir our hearts like sacrifice, separation from the world, and the use of our individual gifts. Great stuff! Yet, in this text is a truth that is far too often neglected, even though it sets the tone for the whole final paragraph of what was just read. The principle? Forgiveness is a mark of the Christian life.
One could easily make the argument that the paragraph of Romans 12:17-21 summarizes the essential core of living life as a genuine Christian. Some of the words are directly quoted from our Lord Jesus. And, it should certainly go without saying that if we love others the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive. That is, if we have experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it on to others. That is precisely the point the Savior made when He taught the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35.
Part of our problem in this area, I think, is that we love being on the receiving end of grace (Thank You for salvation, Lord!), but we are not too keen on the practicing end. But let’s keep this in perspective. Remember, grace is undeserved favor. By blessing our persecutors or giving an enemy a drink, we are not excusing his misdeeds. Rather, we’re recognizing that person, forgiving that person, and loving them in spite of their real sins and our perceived slights—just as Christ did for us!
And this type of loving action must come from the work of the Holy Spirit within God’s children, because such forgiveness is contrary to the pattern of the world. In this day of constant lawsuits (legitimate and frivolous) set against the incessant drone of groups demanding their so-called “legal rights,” Paul’s command seems impossible. And it is impossible except for the heart-changing work of God. This does not come naturally, but only as the child of God makes the determination to live out their faith.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)
Forgiveness is an act of the will which involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to “feel” forgiving of someone who has hurt you, don’t despair, but commit to responding with appropriate actions of forgiveness. After yielding your heart to the Lord in the matter, tell the person that you would like to heal your relationship. Provide a helping hand, and offer a genuine smile. Biblically the point may be made that right actions lead to right feelings. And, even IF the person never reconciles with you, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.
C.S. Lewis got it right when he wrote, “We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it.” But, the truth is, in the family of God we ALL have to practice it.
Posted on September 1st, 2009 by Janet
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen