Luke 6:37 Grab a Cup and Let's Really Talk

My View From “The Chair” this morning - Luke 6:37 - 

I’ve always known these words were here.  In fact, I believe I’ve even taught them a few times.  Powerful.  Straight-forward.  These are not difficult to understand in any language.  But what does one do when you have done these things to a good friend and need forgiveness?  I’d like to say that at the moment of that realization I stopped and ran to this friend seeking forgiveness, but I would be lying to you.  Anyone who knows me super well knows that I have a HUGE character flaw.  I can be a bit “Peterish” (reactionary). You know, the disciple that cut off the guards ear with Jesus standing right there.  I’m a titch reactionary.  I’m working on this, but boy is it a messy process.  I’m also having to learn some really hard lessons.

So yesterday, during the homeschool kids bible lesson here on the Perth YWAM base, we were watching the Bible Project on Khata (sin, iniquity, and transgressions) and the Lord started speaking loudly to me.  (If you haven’t watched “The Bible Project” I would encourage you to do so. Super good!!).  So here is what He laid down for me:  EVERY human is made in the image of God.  Sin is a failure to love God and your fellow humans by not treating them with the honor they deserve.  Sin against people is sin against God.  Sin is how we spin illusions to redefine our bad decisions as good ones.  The Bible tells us that we have a tendency towards self-deception and it runs deep (I can certainly attest to this!).  It’s rooted in our desires and selfish ways that cause us to act for our own benefit at the expense of others.  

So, since I am currently on the other side of the planet from my old friend and I only have WiFi, no cell service, I proceeded to write a letter of apology and ask for her forgiveness.  Here’s the thing, I really honestly don’t deserve it.  Have you ever found yourself in serious need of someone’s forgiveness and grace?  I don’t expect things will be the same, but I do hope that at some point we can start to rebuild the friendship.

Evidently, God had to put me on a plane and take me to the other side of the world, place my butt in a child-sized chair and have me watch a kids video to get through to me.  Tenacious stubbornness and resistance is a serious character flaw that I need to work on.  Sometimes it stinks to be so human.

Is there someone that you need to ask forgiveness from?  Is there someone that needs you to forgive them, but it feels unjust?   I get it.  Here is what I know though, forgiveness sets both parties free.  We can’t say we love Jesus and hold this stuff in our hearts.  You can label it or candy coat it but in the end it is outright sin.  Know that I’m asking our Father to make you brave.

Until We Chat Again,
The Plank-Eyed Girl