Tests of Faith - Pt 9

He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. (Genesis 18:31-33 ESV). Our text today shows how Abraham prayed for Sodom. There was a lot of history between him and the people of Sodom. Remember that Lot chose this area to settle because it was the best land leaving Abraham with the less desirable arid country. I can imagine that Abraham must have been tempted to feel some resentment to these people. Yet, he prays for their deliverance. It begs the question of whether we are eager to see people punished, or do we care for people in spite of their sinfulness. The grace of forgiveness is an essential we must develop. It is certainly a test of faith. I really wish it were easier to do; however, the difficulty does not change the mandate. Let me offer some suggestions to develop real forgiveness.  Begin by assuring yourself that compared to Christ’s suffering you haven’t been seriously wronged at all. Do a hand-check… no nail prints means no real suffering for others.  Recall the many kind deeds that have been shown to you, perhaps even by the person who has harmed you.  List the benefits you have received from the Lord. I find gratitude for the many expressions of grace God has shown me helps with my forgiveness.  Thank Him for blessing you with His love and forgiveness each day. Remembering my own sinfulness always makes it easier to forgive others.  Make an honest effort to pray for the one who has injured you. Like Abraham, regardless of what has been done, prayer leaves no room for a haughty spirit. If the offense is especially hard to forget, try to erase the memory by thinking gracious and generous thoughts.  Finally, before you fall asleep at night, repeat slowly and thoughtfully that phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Thomas A. Edison was working on his invention of the light bulb; it took a whole team of men 24 straight hours to put just one together. The story goes that when Edison was finished with one light bulb, he gave it to a young boy helper, who nervously carried it up the stairs. Step by step he cautiously watched his hands, obviously frightened of dropping such a priceless piece of work. You’ve probably guessed what happened by now; the poor young fellow dropped the bulb at the top of the stairs. It took the entire team of men twenty-four more hours to make another bulb. Finally, tired and ready for a break, Edison was ready to have his bulb carried up the stairs. He gave it to the same young boy who dropped the first one. That’s true forgiveness. Forgiveness burns no bridges!