Good morning.
Most of us have experienced what we perceive as unfair treatment. Our emotions come to the fore, often determining our behaviour. Our natural response is to become defensive. We feel hard done by and becone angry.
Michel Eaton referred to the 2 ladies in Paul's letter to the Philippians as "You oh dear" and "so touchy" (Euodia and Syntyche). Paul is distressed by their behaviour as they have, together with Paul, contended for the gospel. He urges them to be of the same mind i.e. be reconciled. (Philippians 4:2)
In 1983, Pope John Paul II went to visit the man in prison who had tried to kill him the year before. To many people in the world, this was an astonishing act of forgiveness. But for the pope, it was a demonstration of his understanding of grace.
Forgiveness is a great test of whether we have understood the gospel of grace. Paul reminds us that if we have rooted our identity in Christ we will seek reconciliation. We will be compelled to forgive others because we are aware of what God sacrificed in order to forgive us.
Jesus said, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." (Luke 11:4)
Before getting stuck into the tasks of the day, take a moment to forgive those who have harmed you or treated you unfairly.
Blessings.
Mike and Daphne
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