Forgiveness is the well from which we draw
the water to wash others’ feet.
~ D. Siler

I’m going to address two important issues today: pursuing resolution, and blessing those who curse us.

Pursuing Resolution
We are called to live vertical lives looking heavenward, not horizontally—looking at what our neighbors are doing. “She’s mad at me; she started it; I’ll forgive when she apologizes first.” Unforgiveness blocks the flow between heaven and us.

In Matthew 5:21-26 we read about anger, unforgiveness, and unresolved conflict.

In verses 21 and 22, we’re warned against anger. The Bible says, “Anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.” It also warns:

Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court.
Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire.
he simple moral fact is that words kill.
Matthew 5:22 {MSG}

Verses 23 through 26 speak of reconciliation. As we’ve discussed previously, reconciliation isn’t always possible, God knows the situation and the temperature of your heart. He also knows when reconciliation is possible and should be attempted.

We should live with “short accounts” and work to resolve issues quickly, before bitterness and resentment grow in our hearts. Romans 12:18 says, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” And Colossians 3:13, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

In verse 26, Jesus tells us to settle matters quickly with our adversaries. We’re directed to run to the problem, not from the problem. Whether we’re right or wrong, it’s our responsibility to pursue resolution.

I learned a lesson years ago, one that holds true today and one I try to instill in my children . . . never burn a bridge with someone. We never know when our paths may cross again or we may need that person some day.

Bless Those Who Curse Us
The world tells us it’s okay to hate our enemies. But the Bible instructs we’re to love our enemies.

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get
credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!
And if you do good only to those who do good to you,
why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!
And if you lend money only to those who can repay you
why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend
to other sinners for a full return.”
Luke 6:32-34 {NLT}

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without
expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it.
Live out this God-created identity the way our Father
lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when
we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”
Luke 6:35-36 {MSG, emphasis mine}

Anyone can love the loveable.  But it takes a true Christ-follower to love and pray blessings over someone who hates you.

The Bible tells us countless times to love others . . . including our enemies.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies!
Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who hurt you.”
Luke 6:27-28 {NLT}

In Romans 12 we’re warned to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” That’s a hard thing to do sometimes. But when we’re rooted in God’s love and grace, it makes it a whole lot easier to extend it to others.

Love, grace, and forgiveness are the language of heaven. Which language are we speaking?

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