Andrew called me the other night at about 11, after I went to his church with Calla.
Which, if you know the situation, is really strange.
But he did what I've been meaning to do for a few weeks now, and that's to "make amends", or to basically just be like "Hey it sucks that we're all awkward around each other, because we don't really have a real reason to be, so can we just be cool and not hate each other?"
So when he called Tuesday night and basically said as much, my answer was a big loud "Yes!"
And it sucks, I'd really been thinking about doing something similar, maybe e-mailing him or something to make whatever weird amends we should be making.
Because I don't like feeling like I have something against him. In actuality, I'm sad because I feel he's hurting two people that I love, but he isn't personally offending or hurting me.
And even if he was, I need to forgive him. Seven times seventy.
Which raises two subjects for me.
Works and forgiveness.
I know I don't need to do anything to earn my salvation.
Yet the Bible says in Matthew 6:14 that if I do not forgive, God will not forgive me.
Well wait. That sounds to me like God's banking my forgiveness (essentially, my salvation, when you think about it) on whether or not I forgive. On something I do. As if salvation is earned!
But thinking further about it made me think that maybe they're talking about those stubborn, "I'll never forgive him no matter what!" people. To harbor unforgiveness and be unwilling to forgive seems, to me, to be a person that couldn't understand God's forgiveness, nor what He's done for us and why..
..and maybe couldn't even receive the notion of salvation. It's weird, and I can't quite get out what I'm thinking, so don't quote me or bash me, I'm just getting out some thoughts.
As for works.. I wish I did all the things I "mean to do".
I mean to start supporting more causes. I mean to tithe more at church.
I meant to contact Andrew and apologize. But I didn't.
He had to come to me first.
I don't like that. Not one bit. I don't want to become one of those people.
7 comments:
See this is how I have figured things.
In what God says theres always exceptions. Not big ones but its not like if you dont do this one thing your going straight to hell. Do not pass go do not collect two hundred dollars.
All god REALLY asks of you is that you give as much as you can give to the world and try not to sin every waking moment.
Basically be an all round good person. Which you are.
What he says are like little giude lines that keep you on the right track. And its how you interpret what he says and its good that your thinking about it.
Matthew 6:14 about the forgiveness thing. God doesnt expect you to forgive EVERYONE that does you wrong. Say some guy comes in and kills your family. Deep down inside you would never be able to forgive him. Its just not in you. Or any of us. Because we are human.
But thats just what I think.
"God doesnt expect you to forgive EVERYONE that does you wrong."
I completely disagree. He does expect us to forgive everyone. It's never okay to not forgive someone. I'm not saying you have to go to their face and say "I forgive you", but in your heart, it is vital.
Jesus Christ forgave the men that crucified him. And he tells us to follow in His footsteps. If He can forgive them, I can forgive anyone.
Well one of the popes forgave a man that tryed to kill him once.
I'm not saying your wrong what I said is just what I think. That is asking a lot from us. Some people might be able to do it while others wont. In all honesty theres nobody that I havent forgiven for whatever they may have done so far in my life. I'am proud to say that because I think holding grudges is stupid. But does god still really expect us to forgive murderers? Rapisist? Petifiles? Or all the bad people in Africa? Who abduct, murder or rape men women and children left and right? It would require so much forgiveness and faith for someone to forgive a person that has done things like that.
"That is asking a lot from us. Some people might be able to do it while others wont."
If our hearts were as God wanted them, we could forgive anyone.
And it's not impossible to get our hearts to a place like that. Where we love always and forgive always. I'm not saying it comes quickly, but it can come.
"But does god still really expect us to forgive murderers? Rapisist? Petifiles? Or all the bad people in Africa? Who abduct, murder or rape men women and children left and right?"
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Every last one.
Luke 17:3-4
3 So watch yourselves!
“If another believer[a] sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Matthew 5:44
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Hmmm...you got me.
Just realized that I shouldnt have gotten into a biblical debate about God with the great and wonderful Lynette Marie Wagner. :P
But it was a fun little debate and I learned a little. We've gota get that bible sometime soon.
I bet ch'you love getting biblical on peoples butt's. :)
Oh if you ever find a little bible verse that you think I might like or some fun fact about life tell me about it.
Ha my word verification thing was "spogziil".
Hahaha I wouldn't say I love fighting people, but getting the truth out there is important to me.
I'll start sending you Bible verses like I do some of my other friends :)
I dont mean fighting but like "heated debates".
But getting the word out that he's there and waiting is what counts.
That would probably make muh day if you did that. Spank you vury much.
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