May 22
Scripture: 1 John 4:20
Source author: Bobby Lewis
May 22
The Forgiveness Test If someone says, “ I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar. —1 John 4:20
My first thought was, Not on your life! He’d lied to me, cheated me, and now he was calling and asking for help. I told my mom all the gory details of betrayal, and she responded with a simple question: “Did you forgive him?” “I’ve forgiven him, but that doesn’t mean I have to help him.” “If he’d never hurt you, would you help him?” “In a second.” She smirked. “Interesting.” “How’s that?” “Because my pastor just preached about how to know if you’ve really forgiven someone.” “Really? I’m listening.” “You know you’ve forgiven someone when you can show them love and treat them as though the offense never happened. If you’ve really forgiven this guy, you should help him as though he never wronged you.” I didn’t like the sound of that, but it was right. I realized I hadn’t forgiven, and overcoming my lack of forgiveness was
tough. With God’s help, I tossed my bad attitude aside, called him back, and agreed to help. In the end, it became a deeply liberating spiritual experience.
Showing true love through forgiveness is liberating and fulfilling. — Bobby Lewis —