Forgiving Others

I found this excerpt in yesterday's reading of The Institutes of The Christian Religion by John Calvin very interesting:

To sum this up: when we are unjustly wounded by men, let us overlook their wickedness (which would but worsen our pain and sharpen our minds to revenge), remember to mount up to God, and learn to believe for certain that whatever our enemy has wickedly committed against us was permitted and sent by God's just dispensation.

Paul, to restrain us from retaliation for injuries, wisely points out that our struggle "is not with flesh and blood" [Ephesians 6:12], but with our spiritual enemy the devil [Ephesians 6:11], in order that we may prepare ourselves for the combat. Yet a most useful admonition to still all impulses to wrath is that God arms both the devil and all the wicked for the conflict, and sits as a judge of the games to exercise our
patience.
The Institutes of The Christian Religion - 1.17.8

Forgiving our fellow sinners because of what drives them to their sin. Do not get angry with others, but do forgive them because they are driven in their sin, helpless against it without the saving might of Jesus. I never looked at Paul's words as not only a warning against the evil forces of the spiritual realm but also as a plea to forgive those unfortunate souls who struggle as much as you or I do.

We are not to use it as an excuse to see, but it is a reason why we do. Forgiveness through that knowledge should flow easier and with more grace. The ability to graciously receive forgiveness from others should flow as well.

And I will try never to say "The devil made me do it".

Forgiveness

I read something yesterday that stayed in my mind all day and into today.

We are not forgiven because we are sorry, we are forgiven by the atoning death of Christ.

"Sorry just isn't going to cut it". That is what the seven year old son of a friend of mine said to his mom when she apologized to him for something. A budding philosopher and theologian that one.

God wants us to repent, we are called to repentance when we we come to Christ. Many are remorseful of their actions. But repentance and remorse is not what saves us, but the atoning death of our Lord and Savior. I think remorse and repentance are good, as is a sincere desire to sin no more. But Christ alone is necessary.

If I was still proud it would rankle that nothing I do can save me but trust in the finished work of Jesus. But I am broken and humble in my failure to redeem myself.

But God allows that failure and embraces me when I embrace it and Him. And He embraces me when I still struggle with sin every day of my life.

Sorry does not cut it, but grace does. I consider myself most fortunate to bow before a merciful and gracious God.