As 2015 draws to a close, we here at Squash Patch Farm Ministry like to look back and reflect on what the Lord has allowed us to accomplish this year. I say this because it is only through His grace and Him providing the food we are able to distribute that we are able to do anything.
As you might imagine we receive requests for assistance from all types of people. The great majority are appreciative and thankful for the help. Every year we get one or two people who are just the opposite. I personally believe that the Lord allows this to happen just to keep us in check and as a reminder to us that we are His hands and presence here on earth. He loved everyone no matter how they treated Him. He forgave all those seeking forgiveness.
A great example of what not to do when we are offended is found in a story I once heard.
"A truck driver went into a café and ordered a hamburger, French fries, a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. Shortly after he placed his order, a group of bikers came in and surrounded him. When he was served, they ate his food. Quietly, the trucker stood up, walked to the cash register and paid his bill. He said nothing as he walked past them and out the door. He’ is really not much of a man,” said one of the bikers. And he’ is really not much of a driver either,” said the cashier. “He just ran over three bikes in the parking lot.”"
In Romans 12 Paul describes the central values for Christian living. In particular he says that if we have truly experienced God’'s grace, we will want to share it with others. Forgiveness is a good example.Often we say that we forgive others for the wrongs they have done to us. But, forgiveness is much more than quietly offering kind words under our breath that only God hears. Forgiveness is active not passive. If we have trouble forgiving someone and the hate remains lodged in our hearts, we only need to turn to Christ as our example and ask Him for help. And as we do so, think of the gift God gave to us in His Son Who died to forgive us of our sins against Him. And as we do so, think of the gift God gave to us in His Son Who died to forgive us of our sins against Him.
Forgiveness does not start as a feeling in us but as a deliberate decision on our part to forgive. When we do this, we open the door for the Lord to bring the healing we need in our hearts. You may never forget the offense but the pain will diminish as the Lord brings healing.
