Becoming HIS Tapestry

Christian Lifestyle Blogger

WE ALL NEED THIS…

Hey friends, how are you doing today? Warm weather has finally come to our neighborhood, thank You, Lord after a few days of rain and clouds.  Sunshine has returned and brought warmth with it.  But with the joy of spring comes also the frustration of allergies. I suppose we must balance the scales, rgIt’s a  beautiful day, today, because each new day brings its own supply of grace and mercy. And the Lord knows we all could use a fresh batch, sufficient for this day. What’s the weather like in your neck  of the woods?  

Recently, I had an epiphany.  It’s not that I did not already know this, the knowledge was not actually new, but for some reason, this time it made sense.  I had reason to remember these words, “ to err is human’.  These words are part of a longer proverb, ‘to err is human; to forgive, divine’ and was penned by Alexander Pope in Essay on Criticism, ( too many times, I think, self help books [which is not necessarily a bad thing] make us forget that the Bible said it first).   

It occurred to me, for the first time really, that these words are usually applied to me, when I make a mistake.  I am quick to point out my imperfection to others.  It is my defense when there is a lapse in judgement.  But what happens when someone else needs to hear that from me? Some time ago, someone erroneously assumed I had deliberately done something wrong.  Something was wrong, but I had not done it and it was not deliberate act from the person who did. Needless to say, I was offended.  I was shocked and disappointed that someone would think that of me.  ‘No one is perfect”, I thought.  “I must be given some leeway to make an error”.  Here I stand in need of grace, while my heart plots the downfall of my accuser.  Such irony! Such audacity! Come closer, a little closer, I want to share a secret with you.  Are you ready for this earth-shattering revelation?  NO ONE IS PERFECT, BUT JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF!  Did you get that? The includes me and you.  I love my God.  He is much kinder, more loving, shows more patience and extends more grace than I ever, ever can.  I remember telling my God, my side of things.  But do you know what He was doing, while I was whining and complaining, He ummm… reminded me of me! “Not me, Lord! I would never falsely accuse anyone”. Uhhh… really, Brenda? Do you really want to go there?

Romans 3:23 tells us ‘we have all fallen short of the glory of God’.  ‘All’ refers to every single person, past, present and future; we all stand in need of forgiveness.  We were born in sin, according to Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.  The starting point of salvation  began at the same point for every single Christian.   Now that we are saved, as we draw near to the Lord, He molds and shapes us, so that we put on more of His characteristics; such as humility and forgiveness.  Forgiveness must be part of a Christian’s life.  It is impossible to serve the Lord without forgiveness, from the Lord and from and to others. 

Forgiveness becomes easier (not easy, but EASIER) when we:

  1. Don’t put people on pedestals; people will disappoint us; we will disappoint them.  Remember ‘to err is human” Romans 3:23
  2. Acknowledge that because we have been forgiven much, therefore we must be prepared to forgive much Colossians 3:13
  3. Realize that God has commanded (not suggested) us to forgive Luke 6:37/Matthew 6:13
  4. Understand that forgiveness is necessary in order to live peacefully with others Romans 12:18
  5. Remember that we usually do that exact same things, sometimes even worse! Matthew 7:4

NO MATTER WHAT THE OFFENSE IS, we must always be ready to forgive if we desire that our Lord forgive us.  I know this is easier said than done, but we are not required to do this in our own strength. We have the Holy Spirit.  Depending on the gravity of the offense, it does take Supernatural strength to help us forgive.  Remember too, forgiveness and trust do not always have to go together.  You forgive me, but I have to earn your trust.  We trust the Lord to help forgive and continue to love.  Stay close to the Lord, my friends, always, but even closer when life throws its challenges.  

How was your week? Do you suffer from allergies?

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28 responses to “WE ALL NEED THIS…”

  3. A much needed message in this culture of division and name calling. A great reminder that we ALL need God’s grace and forgiveness. My husband suffers terribly from allergies. Poor man. At his age with heart disease he has to be careful about taking any meds. He loves the outdoors but always pays for being out there.

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  6. We have been forgiven much, therefore we must be prepared to forgive much. Unforgiveness, can block healing and stop us from moving forward; we need to learn to let go and forgive. Brenda, a good and timely post. 🌺

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  7. This one always makes me stop in my tracks and run to God: Matthew 6.14 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
    And, good point that forgiveness and trust do not always go together. There’s a lot of peace in that.
    Keep an eye out for SD’s trash in your yard next week: we have 40 – 70 mph westerly winds whacking us. Today is trash day, and everyone’s cans are on their sides, with garbage flying hither and thither.

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  8. Great timing for this post. Hits my heart with truth! There’s a Christian friendship I have that causes me so much irritability and confusion that I risk bitterness and unforgiveness at the offenses (especially with recent issues) BUT your post encourages me to vulnerably look in the mirror and then to hope in Jesus’ purpose — His life, death, resurrection, and unconditional mercy and grace! I must learn and echo His love!
    Thank you for writing for Him!

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  9. “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C.S.Lewis, The Weight of Glory
    To err is human,
    … to eat another donut is divine.
    … to blame someone else is just politics.
    … to not means the Matrix is broken.
    … to get caught is means you need more practice.
    … to not is nice, but nobody likes a perfectionist.
    … to not means you’re just not trying.
    … to arrr is pirate talk.
    … to err, errrrr, errrrrrr is a racecar.
    … but Moms are not human.
    😉 Have a good Tuesday, Brenda.

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  10. Hi, Brenda. Excellent post to remind us that we, too, need forgiveness. I do suffer from allergies but I use a steroid inhaler and steroid nasal spray daily to help out. My allergies lead to asthma problems, so I try to avoid that.

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