Archive for month: September, 2020

What makes God angry? Not being merciful and forgiving puts us in danger of judgment from God (Matthew 18:21-35).  Extending and receiving forgiveness can be a long and difficult path, yet the parable in Matthew is primarily about mercy which leads to extending forgiveness.  One worked with the other by mercifully extending forgiveness, and the one forgiven went joyfully away.  Yet, the one, greatly forgiven, could not forgive a much smaller debt owed him.  Having received mercy, he refused to dispense mercy; thus, wanting nothing to do with reconciliation.  He wanted punishment!

As God has forgiven us and reconciled us to God through Jesus Christ, may we Christians be the first to offer merciful forgiveness to begin the process of reconciliation. God’s grace has impacted our lives, may we live gracefully toward others and seek to be reconciled with others.

What do others primarily see us manifesting? Greed?  An overly critical spirit?  Anger? Hatred? Prejudice? Ambition? Our politics? Is it the presentation of our social status? What overshadows Christ in your life?

When we follow Christ, love is our underlying obligation to others, including our enemies. When we live a life of love, kindness, and compassion, we display to the world that we have put on Christ. Paul describes the foundation of such a spiritual life: “Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:8-10).   May we manifest and live in our lives the qualities of Christ as individuals and as Christ’s Church.  Remember, we have put on Christ!