"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
CBS news reported Tuesday that a cyclist named Andrew was attacked by a renegade runner while riding his mountain bike on the popular North Table Mountain Loop trail near Golden, Colorado. Andrew said it started when he repeatedly rang his bell to get the runner's attention so he could pass. The runner, he said, obviously couldn't hear the sound and only acknowledged him after another cyclist got his attention. Apparently, Andrew said, "He didn't like me shaking my head" about it because when they passed one another on the trail later, the runner grabbed him by the throat, punched him twice, kicked him in the back and then threw his bike 50 feet down the mountain. Andrew says he not only wants justice but wants this issue to "spark conversation on how people can treat each other with more respect."
Unfortunately, incidents like these ending in violence and unkind behavior are becoming more and more common. And while the runner might feel justified in the way he acted, the Bible tells us that this type of behavior is never warranted. You see when it comes to confrontations, feeling wronged and how people should treat others, Paul wrote, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." And since Christ forgave our most grievous actions against him, including nailing him to the cross, we have no alternative but to pass that same forgiveness on to others.
I have no doubt that they will find the offender soon as the investigation continues but I only hope that Andrew will offer his offender forgiveness. Forgiveness so sweet that the runner would come to know Christ because of it. Now wouldn't that be a happy ending?
Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving us of the many things we have done that warranted punishment. Help us to follow the example of Christ as we extend that same tender mercy and forgiveness to others that they might come to know you because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Forgiveness - Toby Mac
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