Bringing Unity, Order and Forgiveness…What a Good Thing!
By Linda Kosinski Maynard
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3,… NIV
There is a TV show titled Nanny 911, in which a professional Nanny comes into a totally chaotic household, to teach the parents to restore order. The behavior of the children is abhorrent. Screaming and hitting, biting and pushing each other (and even their parents), not obeying their parents, a total disregard for property etc. is what these children do. Believe me, watching it is a jolt to one’s soul.
One can see this and think, “My ,children, would never do that to each other and I certainly would never act like these children (or parents). Let’s talk honestly here. It is possible that we may not outwardly show this measure of anger or disrespect, but in our hearts, bitterness, anger and thoughts of revenge can reign. Then on top of it, we justify our behavior saying, if only to ourselves or others, things like.”If you only knew what they did “…”Do you realize what it cost me?”…”I’ll just ignore you and you will go away”. There we stay in the prison of un-forgiveness.
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want .Galatians 5:7 NIV
One of the things that is taught to these parents is, to get down on the floor and get eye level with their children. They are to speak firm with them. This allows the children to see, that the parents are serious and mean business in their expectations. They state that they will no longer tolerate such behavior. I believe it mirrors God. He gets down to “where we live” and places His Word before our eyes. In that we know EXACTLY what He expects in our behavior. He is clear isn’t He? He is confident in His role as our parent. His requirements and discipline are not to hurt or chain us, but to free us.
Simply, we are not to exact revenge but to forgive. The Word is clear. There are NO loopholes NOR us saying.” Well you don’t have to in these circumstances.”
In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part…,Matthew 6:14-15, The Message
Forgiveness is so important that the Bible even addresses if someone has something against US, we are to go to them and seek reconciliation, so that we, once again, will walk in unity.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you; leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
We live IN this sin filled world. We all have been hurt and we will continue to be hurt. Also, we have hurt others and probably will hurt others again. But now that we know what God’s Word says, ”Let’s keep our accounts short” It is not a matter of whether the person deserves it or not…just FORGIVE. Then if you realize that you have done wrong, go to the other person and ask for forgiveness from them
You can never do this alone. You will need the help of the Holy Spirit. He will be more than happy to help you find the way of RECONCILIATION.