WHO'S SORRY NOW?

WHO’S SORRY NOW?

Monday, April 17, 2017

John 16:1-16 [Jesus explained, beginning with “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” ] These things [chapters 14 & 15] have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

  For me, self-examination doesn’t always begin with Scripture. I do however believe that as God’s John 1:12 child it begins with His Holy Spirit within me. Then I look in the mirror of His Word. This morning while reading the Omaha World-Herald over cornflakes, strawberries, coffee and initial pharmaceuticals of the day, this was the aforementioned pattern.

  On page 4B is a satirical (or is it “sarcastic”, or maybe “sardonic”?) political cartoon. Obviously at the end of a session, the counselor says “Now Jarod and Steve, I want you both to tell each other you’re sorry …” The two on far opposite ends of the couch, with sideways glare at one another, in unison say “You’re sorry.”

  Whoa Nelly, I’ve been there! A good thing to remember from my past performance.

  More importantly is the question of where I now sit. To answer this I begin with a question: Is there presently people and their ways that I am subjectively offended by or lacking in forgiveness?

  After some reflection, yes, indeed there are matters I could subjectively unforgivingly stumble over the emotion and it’s inevitable results, but I have not. The people and matters are real, but thus far I’m dealing with them objectively.

·         Not denying the realities.

·         Clearly identifying them.

·         Forgiving as needed. (Some things never get to the point of needing to forgive as I constantly work at the application of the complete Serenity Prayer.

·         Objectively examining any necessary possible solutions and/or alternatives.

·         Politely, but firmly, standing if needed.

  Then I review “Why forgive?

·         Pleasing God via authentic Romans 12:1-3 worship. Knowing that forgiveness is very much central to this worship.

·         I myself wanting to live forgiven and in God’s peace; unhindered by utmost serious conflict. Mk.16:25-26; Lk.6:37

·         Knowing I cannot expect all others to see and understand what I see as God’s John 3:3 born-again son. Lk.23:34

·         And as old friend Joe Smith taught me, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

  As the day goes on I’m sure I’ll remember and ponder more, as will you.

EBB4