FORGIVENESS OF OFFENSES: That Precious Step to Reconcile

The theme for this week’s Devotional is Forgiveness of Offenses. We have all been down this street and our Team has penned some wonderful and timely encouragement for your hearts.

Here's the thing. Any expression of word, deed, or demeanor that is given as an offering to God, where He meets us, is founded on that impression upon the heart which God Himself initiated in us. "All things come of Thee O' Lord and of Thine own shall we give of Thee” 1 Chronicles 29:14. That place of meeting, for that instance, whether it is a literal or a figurative altar, is a hallowed place because of the presence of God. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" as a plea, presumes on our part a response to His utter loving kindness, and His holiness, which ought coincide with our love for the other [our neighbor, be they kin or not].

The primer is our love for God. The call upon us to forgive, is because we have been forgiven, and we have no welcome to approach God while protesting His Spirit's nudging within us to forgive others. Reconciliation begs for that step on our part, to forgive, even if it feels wrong, even if the gesture is rejected by the one slighted. Consider 'the cross'. Indeed, God forgave us in no uncertain terms: "God demonstrated His love towards us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

In our text, it is interesting to note that God doesn't say take your offering with you, reconcile, and bring it back. Rather the offering is to be left at the altar, to be returned to, after the act of forgiveness, however long it may take. It is an act that is publicly viewed, and likely reviewed. It seems to be instructive to others as well as corrective for that one. This may even infer a hasty response as a flesh offering will go bad over time. Likewise, there is merit in our obedience being sooner than later, for given time, we all can be creative in our excuse-making not to do right.  As it has been said Delayed obedience is disobedience. [and delayed obedience stinks]

Forgiveness is having the appreciation of God forgiving us in Christ Jesus, having that ingratiating gaze which turns a soul around for good. Consider how it is stated in Psalm 91:14-16 -"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me and I shall answer him: I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." [KJV] Forgive, as an act of love. It is our reasonable service. It is essential to worship.

Prayer: Lord-God, be with us in our discovering of self and others, and quicken the gift within that Your will finds us with a certain undeniable clarity, that reveals our knowing You, wherever we might be, at any given time. Forgiven, help us to forgive. Thank You so much for such mercy, and such as grace. We bless You Abba, in the name of Your Son and our Savior Jesus. Amen.
By Bro. McNeal Brockington