Blessed are the Forgivers


Yesterday I came across a license plate holder declaring that "Christians may not be perfect but we are forgiven."  I immediately told my daughter of an important edit.  I would exchange the word forgiven for forgiving or forgivers. Please pardon all those "fors."

The term forgiven appears frequently in the Bible.  This doesn't come as a surprise.  There is great hope that comes from the expectations that errors and wrongs can be resolved and we can be restored through forgiveness.  As Christians we find that hope in the Atonement and Grace of Jesus Christ and we seek His forgiveness. And when we are converted we are forgiven.

After sharing the parables of the sower, the candle, and the seeds the apostles asked their Lord why He taught in parables.  The Gospel of Mark records this:

11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.



I do not proclaim to be the final authority on these words.  But for me it helps me to understand that many things that I initially believe are sins and misdeeds of others may not be.  Much of what The Lord requires comes to us through inspiration and spiritual gifts.  Those insights come as we are prepared and we learn and grow.

You might consider the insights in living that you now enjoy that you lacked yesterday, a year ago, a decade ago or more.  As we live and grow those thoughts and teachings, especially those in parables, take on more meaning.  Not everyone who hears what we hear or sees what we see understands what we understand.

The Lord in His Grace shared so much of His goodness in parables so that we might be edified and enjoy His Love without any need or desire to condemn those who are around us.  In fact, 490 times we need to forgive those trespasses against us.

I find great joy an wonder when I feel the warmth and restoration that comes through being forgiven, but I suggest it is more Christlike to forgive.  I offer this edit from the Matthew version of  the Beatitudes to consider the power in being a forgiver.

3 Blessed are the forgivers: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are the forgivers: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the forgivers: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are the forgivers: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the forgivers: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the forgivers: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the forgivers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are the forgivers: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.



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