In society at large it has become common place to put the past of anyone that comes into the spotlight through intense scrutiny, which in some cases is understandable. However, the results if something deemed ‘unacceptable’ is found seems to be the complete and total destruction of the person, their livelihood and their future, all because of something said or done a decade or more in the past.

We as believers should know and are taught better. We are told in Philippians 3:13 that we are to forget what lies behind and press forward towards our call. Paul also tells us in Corinthians that when we accepted Jesus, the old things have passed away and behold we have become new. Jesus himself referenced an extreme amount of forgiveness we are supposed to offer to those who wrong us in some fashion, real or imagined.

Our society has lost the ability to have thick skin, offense and emotions live on the sleeves of many people. Now, we shouldn’t be passive in the face of abuse, verbal or otherwise, but we must realize that, like us, all of those around us are people. We’re all just trying to figure out our way through this life. There are bad days, harsh words, things said without considering the consequences, this is all part of living in the shape that we are in. Believers should be the ones that are willing to overlook mistakes and offer mercy, after all, our Savior extended a hand of immense mercy and grace to us, and the Bible calls on those who have free received to freely give. It’s not always easy and sometimes it costs us in self-control, patience, and our own emotional pain but, that is what love is all about. We give of ourselves to help others.

In short, we should be offering forgiveness to people for their pasts, not looking for some way to string them up on their own personal cross. Jesus, out of anyone I know, had the most reason to be offended, to harbor ill will towards others, and yet, when the time came he hung on the cross. He told the Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. We should take his words to heart, forgiveness should be our first and automatic response. Let’s put into practice the love of God that has been poured out in our hearts.

– Pastor Tim