bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Colossians 3:13 AMP
The Inspiration:
For all who have had a personal encounter with Jesus, there are fruits that their lives have to produce. The proof of inner conviction is seen in the things I do, the decisions I make as well as the company I keep. There has to be this clear difference between the life I had outside of Christ and the life I now have inside of Him. If I really cannot see a difference in perspective, pursuits or priorities, then I have to go back to God and be doubly sure. The consequences of being wrong or not being sure are quite eternal, and there are second chances to make it right once you miss the mark. Whilst I still have this earthly life, and I still hear and read God's Word, I have all the information required to take a decision. It is not one that anybody can take on my behalf, as it is not possible to represent another person in heaven or in hell. When the personal is sorted, then the corporate fellowship can make sense. It is the fruit of the presence of God in me that will be a blessing to other people around me.
The Contention:
This is why God does not take me away when I have given my life to Jesus. He places me in the world so I can impact it on His behalf. I must know that the same way I had a past is the same way people with a past will also come my way. I have a responsibility to treat them the same way God treated me. I cannot make assumptions about anyone, and I must not condemn anyone. Just as grace found me, so can grace find anyone else. That is why the verse above enjoins us to bear graciously with one another, and willingly forgive each other. It takes a clear view of who I am and what I have been given, in order to extend the same grace to others. Let it be clear that human relationships naturally attract offence; it is impossible for two or more people to dwell together in the same place for a while and not have disagreements, but what is critical is the understanding of who we are individually and collectively, and where we are headed.
The Contention:
God intends that I make it to heaven at the end of my earthly sojourn, but as I wait for this manifestation, there are lives to touch and impact. When people offend me, I must remind myself of the fact that Jesus also forgave all my sin, and gave me a new leaf. He does not hold my past against me, or keep reminding me of my past faults on a daily basis. That is the standard that has been set by God, and the standard God demands from me. If He did not supply for grace for it, He will not demand it. If He tells me it is possible, all I can do is rely on His grace and strength to do it. I must also remember the fact that the world is watching; it needs a different perspective and challenge from what it is used to, and that is what God has called and set me apart to be. Am I living up to God's expectations then? Can He depend on me to be His eyes, ears, feet and hands? He waits for us. God's time of favour is here.
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