Discovery Journal

Robyn C. – June 17, 2010

Scripture:

Colossians 3:12-15 -- 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Observation:

These are big instructions in such a world of bombardment. We have things coming at us 24/7 through computers, work, family members, friends, media, etc. "Offended, it is so easy to be" (per Yoda). We can even be offended by the "tone" in someone's text message! It gets more and more impersonal as the days go by...I am as guilty as anyone.

Application:

I must remember to choose humility and to forgive anyone who may "offend me" as the Lord forgave me. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. People are at different stages in their walk with the Lord. If someone looks at me cross-eyed, does that mean it is about me? Maybe they do not even know that they did it--maybe it's because ten minutes earlier they were let go from their job.

Prayer:

Lord, let me choose each day, to be merciful, kind, gentle, and patient. Help me to remember to forgive others as You forgave me.