This post by kathylarkman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
Kathy Larkman
“Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” RSV
This month in our ONE ANOTHER series, we are considering FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER.
This hugely important relational command is crucial to enjoy fruitful relationships with each other and with Christ. However, there can be so many knock on effects and unfruitful outcomes if not dealt with biblically and in love. My tendency, as I said in the last blog, is to stick my head in the sand; or pretend that big elephant is not in the room and I will just go on my merry way. But hey, that is NOT an option for me as a follower of Jesus Christ, and not honouring to God or the other persons involved in the conflict.
But on the other hand, a question came to me that I want to explore with you today. Should I confront every offense that comes my way? Or should I overlook it? I can think back on a time in my younger life when I blew something way out of proportion when I should have let it go. Because of my pride and lack of maturity in handling it wisely, the situation was made worse and my witness for Christ was weakened.
Of course there are times of confrontation in the forgiveness process, but there are clearly times when offenses need to be dropped.
Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Proverbs 12:16 “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
Proverbs 20:3 “It is to one’s honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
So how do we know when to confront something or to let it go? It is only through soul searching with wisdom and discernment. Pray. Seek wise mature counsel. Allow God to help us see blind spots that we may have in the situation. Avoid gossip. Use good sense. Let’s ask ourselves, “Am I turning a minor disagreement into a major dispute? Am I insisting on justice when I should overlook the matter? How important is it in God’s economy?
As followers of Christ, we can trust the Lord with our relationships. Let’s pray for one another to be wise and discerning in this one anothering process. Let’s cling to the scripture for our guidance!
