Friday, August 9, 2013

Treating With Love


Among Christians it is the practice to forgive sin and bear one anothers' burdens. There is much need for this, because each and all offend both God and neighbor daily and much.

Scarcely a moment of one day goes by that a Christian does not sense and regret offenses given: words spoken unkindly; thoughts about the neighbor that would bring harm; actions which, when held to the light, are lacking in every way when it comes to serving others; every kind of preoccupation that by all appearances is all but godly. It is all there in spades, plain as day.

It is not as if the sin and offense is ignored. It is very much apparent to all, whether within the Body of Christ or without. But the sin, even being inherent and pervasive, is not treated as deserved, each one knowing his debt has been paid at a price so unfathomable as to affect all of creation.

My neighbor in Christ may show much weakness, but He participates with me in the same Christ who, having made all things for the praise of His glory, for our sake became weak. The malice and bitterness so deserved are instead, as of a new creation, turned to love and sweetness.

Among Christians there is great rejoicing, because not only do they know their sins are forgiven, but that they may freely forgive any and all trespasses as Christ has freely, out of everlasting love, forgiven them.

The Fourth Petition you have been taught from Above is lived out in the Body of Christ because Christ is joined to His people, the Holy Spirit giving urge and utterance to all that afflicts the soul as the offenses remain visible to the eyes, yet are removed so completely that even your weak body is destined for perfect glory.
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