It Takes God To Forgive

"Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy." Colossians 1:12

When I think of being strengthened with all might, it's to do something incredible for the kingdom. What I don't think about is strengthening with all might to have patience. Jesus and His disciples were having a discussion about how many times you need to forgive someone. Jewish law stated seven times in one day.

My thought is the disciples wanted Jesus to back off on that a bit; after all, seven times in one day for the same offense seems a bit excessive, doesn't it? Jesus bumped that up a little. He told them to extend forgiveness out to 490 times a day for the same offense. I've got to tell you, after the 5th time, I would honestly question their mental status. After the 15th time, I would question my mental status.

You can't forgive some people without the power of God helping out. Okay, I'm beginning to understand this verse. It takes the power of God to love people the way God wants us to. We are to be the very expression of God on this earth, showing His love, His mercy, His grace, and His forgiveness to everyone we cross paths with as we journey this life.

By Rick “Papa” Wilson