BE FORGIVING

Be Forgiving
by Susan Barnes

"Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7
Unless we admit to being offended, we can't show mercy. The merciful are people who have acknowledged their pain and have chosen to forgive.

Jacob tricked his brother Esau and in Genesis 27:36 Esau says, 

"He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he's taken my blessing!" 

We learn that Esau held a grudge and planned to kill Jacob (v. 41). Yet many years later when the two brothers meet, it’s Esau who runs to Jacob and embraces him (Genesis 33:4). 

Esau had learned to let go of his anger and forgive his brother. God chose Jacob over Esau before they were even born (Genesis 25:23) and Jacob and his mother, Rachel would have caused less angst if they had simply waited for God to bless them, instead of scheming. Esau still had to forgive their behaviour, even if there were reasons for it.

When forgiving others, it is helpful to bear in mind that no matter how badly we’ve been hurt, 

it’s still not as great as our offences against a holy God. 

His holiness is so boundless and his forgiveness so immense that other people's offences are minor in comparison. Another helpful thought is to remember Jesus’ words about those who crucified him,

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). 

Often, those who have offended us have no idea how much we have been hurt, or perhaps even that they have done so. 

If we want God's blessing in our lives, we will choose to show mercy.

Susan, an Australian pastor's wife, regularly writes devotional thoughts on Bible passages, book reviews and inspirational articles. Contact