One of the members of Chapel Hill Church of Christ wanted to talk to me. We met informally in the parking lot. He was an older fellow. His worn face was chiseled with deep concern. I knew this would be a very emotional moment for him - and probably for me!
He began to tell of an event that took place in a men's business meeting at Chapel Hill. It happened in the basement, just a few yards from where we stood. Harsh, hateful things had been said. Fists had been shown. He even noted that he knew of a knife that one of the instigators kept in his pocket! As he recounted the story, his eyes began to bulge, his hands started to quake, and the veins on his neck protruded. I was concerned that he may have a heart attack. "When did this happen?" I asked. "A month ago? Perhaps two?" He thought for a moment and said, "No, it's been ten or fifteen years now!" This fellow was imprisoned by his own inability to forgive!
There are things that many can't let go! We can't seem to get over it. Why? It's simple. We haven't forgiven! The guilty party doesn't have to ask. We have the power, not them! We can forgive whether they want it or not! I'm sure that the Roman soldiers that were crucifying Jesus did not ask him to forgive them. I'm confident that the Jewish leaders that had brought him to Pilate for condemnation did not ask for his forgiveness. Yet, while he was dying and the bitter wounds were fresh, we learn a remarkable thing in Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. ... " Jesus knew how to let things go! Who will you forgive today? What will you "let go"? It's within your power!
He began to tell of an event that took place in a men's business meeting at Chapel Hill. It happened in the basement, just a few yards from where we stood. Harsh, hateful things had been said. Fists had been shown. He even noted that he knew of a knife that one of the instigators kept in his pocket! As he recounted the story, his eyes began to bulge, his hands started to quake, and the veins on his neck protruded. I was concerned that he may have a heart attack. "When did this happen?" I asked. "A month ago? Perhaps two?" He thought for a moment and said, "No, it's been ten or fifteen years now!" This fellow was imprisoned by his own inability to forgive!
There are things that many can't let go! We can't seem to get over it. Why? It's simple. We haven't forgiven! The guilty party doesn't have to ask. We have the power, not them! We can forgive whether they want it or not! I'm sure that the Roman soldiers that were crucifying Jesus did not ask him to forgive them. I'm confident that the Jewish leaders that had brought him to Pilate for condemnation did not ask for his forgiveness. Yet, while he was dying and the bitter wounds were fresh, we learn a remarkable thing in Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. ... " Jesus knew how to let things go! Who will you forgive today? What will you "let go"? It's within your power!