It was once written, “To err is human, to forgive divine”, yet long before these words were penned, this was established as a Kingdom creed, for this author was only echoing the divine Truth brought forth through My Son, which is: because you have been forgiven much, so you must also forgive.
Then who amongst My flock can stand with an offense, for if your past transgressions are no longer counted against you because of My merciful love, then why are you so quick to hold ought towards another? Shouldn’t your heart then be moved by the same grace you have been shown?
Yet how easily the soulish man forgets that his pardon from sin was undeserving at best, for nothing he could offer would settle the enmity that existed between us, because without My offer of reconciliation, the “hostility-wrought” separation would never have known appeasement. So then, to think it is your right to hold a grudge towards your offender is not reflective of a heart that comprehends what it cost to restore their relationship with Me. For if they really understood the full magnitude of this act, a humble gratitude would flow from within, and thus every encounter with others would be greeted with kindness, compassion, and an eagerness to overlook the missteps of another by covering these sins in a blanket of love.
Therefore do not perceive yourself as one who is “owed” (like a victim that is seeking reparations). For did My Son cry out, “This is not fair!” when He was nailed to the Cross for crimes He did not commit? Then you who have gained full advantage of His sacrifice should not diminish this gift by living once again according to your flesh. Simply cast down your pride, and every lie that encourages you to remain deeply entrenched in offense. Climb out of this ditch and make peace with those you have grievance against, but not by using petty arguments to prove your wounds were justified, since in light of what you have been freely given, these are but small matters, for if not for Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross, all hope for your future would be lost.
Do not say to yourself, “I deserve an apology!”, because what you truly deserve has been avoided, for this harsh penalty was born by another, the Spotless Lamb, who was slaughtered for you and the world.
Put aside these trivial quarrels, and stop your childish bickering, for you who were saved from an eternity of suffering and lament should walk with an inner stance of thankful humility, eager to make amends with the offended, forgiving others, even though they have not sought your forgiveness; always seeking to live in peace with everyone, because this humble attitude is indeed pleasing to the Father.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” -Colossians 3:12-15