Someone has said, “Forgiveness is a two-way street. You can’t expect others to forgive you if you are unwilling to forgive them. It’s a basic Biblical truth: You reap what you sow.” (original source unknown)
Generally speaking, we should understand this to be true. It ought to be a logical expectation. However, does it always work that way? When it comes to sowing and reaping, understand from Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower that the same seed was sown but heart condition determined whether there was proper fruit of not. (Matthew 13:18-23) Therefore, even when we are willing to forgive others, does that always guarantee their willingness to be forgiving? Certainly, it would not be right for us to expect forgiveness if we are unwilling to mercifully forgive. (i.e. Matthew 18:32-35; also Matthew 6:14-15) However, based on how much we have already been forgiven by the Lord ought to compel us to forgive others regardless of their willingness to do so themselves.
As Paul urged Christians at Colossae. . .
“ (12) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, (13) bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13 ESV)
We may not always know what to expect from others, but it is clear what we can expect from the Lords. Since it is our Lord we are to be as — regardless of how others might be — may our willingness to be forgiving reveal our due appreciation for having mercifully received it from Him! Such is right as it is based on the righteousness of God!
Have a great day COMPELLED BY CHRIST TOWARD CHRISTLIKENESS!
Carl
