Colossians 3:13. "Forbearing one another. and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." HIS COMPASSION. How many times have we gone over this?! How many more times before we learn?! And yet I wonder how many times things were repeated to me. And even now I am apt to forget. So, it becomes me to quietly forebear The seeming inattention and careless response I don't know what going on inside another, Or even the hidden burdens they bear.
There is a cost here that someone must pay, Forgiveness is not some cheap act. The effect of offending another by what I say, Brings me to fact this fact - I am expecting them to forgive me for my words; They expect me to forgive their deeds. I have to pay the cost for what they have heard, And I should step in to meet their needs.
How did Christ forgive me? What was the basis Of the freedom from guilt He provided for me? There was nothing in me to initiate a favorable response on His part - He forgave me because of His love that is free. I am to forgive in spite of what I know, Or in spite of how I am treated. The forgiveness of God in me should show, And compassion too, whatever is needed.
"Father, I have some little physical distresses this morning, but I know You know all about them. If there is something I should yet do to alleviate the problem, reveal that to Thy servant. But I pray mostly that I will not respond in any negative ways to those I come in contact with this day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."