"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31,32 NLT
In an incident that made headlines two years ago, Silas Kipruto took a right-handed swipe at Teshome Mekonen for following too close on his heels as they both raced to win the Bix 7 road race. Mekonen immediately filed a protest after Kipruto won the race but the win was honored. So the headlines about the 2018 Bix 7 road race might have had some people doing a double take, "Competitors Become Friends Two Years After Midrace Scuffle." Mekonen said this of Kipruto, "I very, very respect my friend. Now we have a very good relationship. He is my friend.”
And just what does it take to go from foe to friend you might ask? Forgiveness. Forgiveness that starts with ridding oneself "of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior." This changing of the heart then allows us to be tenderhearted and forgiving to one another "just as God through Christ” was forgiving to us. Did you get that just as part though? That means to an equal degree. Jesus forgave all our sins, transgressions and misdeeds-even forgiving the people who crucified Him. Knowing that then, we must forgive others to the same extent.
So are you withholding forgiveness to someone today? Perhaps waiting until they deserve it? Just like us, they may never deserve forgiveness. But be like Jesus my friend and forgive them anyway.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are all sinners undeserving of forgiveness. And yet, Jesus granted it to us anyway, even to the very people who hung him on the cross. May our hearts be so yielded to You that we would grant that same forgiveness to others. And by doing so, lead them to the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Forgiveness - Toby Mac
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