Throughout the Bible, God says things to us like ‘fear not‘ and ‘don’t be afraid‘.
In fact, He says them a lot.
He tells us to be anxious for nothing and to trust in Him. He promises to never leave us and to never forsake us.
And the pages of God’s Word are packed with the stories of normal, broken people who, despite their fears, frailties and failures in their past, trusted Him enough to obey Him, and did crazy awesome things for God.
Fear and faith cannot exist together.
Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as being “certain of what we do not see.” It is an absolute belief that God is constantly working behind the scenes in every area of our lives, even when there is no tangible evidence to support that fact.
– via gotquestions.org
If you’ve got a level hanging around the house, pull it out of the toolbox and play with it for a minute. Try to get that bubble in the middle.
See, that level almost perfectly illustrates the struggle between fear and faith in our lives.
Think of the left side as FEAR and the right side as FAITH. When the bubble is on the left, it’s as far away from faith as possible–there’s nothing but fear.
When it’s on the right side, faith is in control and there’s no fear to be found.
The problem is, most of us live in the middle. We’re living a delicate, exhausting balancing act where any little bump can send us one way or the other.
The thing is, God hates the middle. And so do we, if we’re honest.
We’re just close enough to great faith to taste it and feel its power–to know it’s really there–but never take that leap of faith and experience the life God intended for us. A life not ruled by our fears.
Yet it’s the very fear we want to overcome that keeps us from the faith we need to do so.
That’s why they call it a leap of faith.
We’ve gotta get as far away from the fear that keeps us from faith, as possible.
The beauty is, the more we move toward faith, the further we get from those fears. And the stronger our faith grows, the smaller our fears become.
As a boy, David fought a bear and a lion, which gave him the faith to believe that God would help him take on Goliath.
In 1 Samuel 17:37, David says, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear WILL DELIVER ME from the hand of this Philistine.”
David chose to feed his faith and starve his fear, but imagine if he had done the opposite.
What if after the first run-in with a lion or bear he had never gone back to that field?
Or what if David had chosen to run away from that first ferocious animal and spent the rest of his life telling anyone who would listen about the night he barely got away from that lion? Cool story, but so much less than God had planned for him.
His destiny and, as it turns out, all of human history would’ve been completely different.
Instead, his faith was rewarded with victory, diminishing his fear and building his faith even further. Those successes gave him the confidence to be courageous and do even greater things. And eventually be king!
And yet, doubt and fear never completely go away. Even for a man like David. But he knew the key to keeping fear at bay. Look what he wrote in Psalm 56:3, “when I am afraid, I will trust in You!”
That’s a good plan for us too.
Let’s be brave. Let’s trust in God, stop living in the middle and take that leap of faith.
In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us why forgiveness is so important. Our willingness, or unwillingness, to forgive others is directly tied to whether or not God will forgive us.
Look at Jesus’ exact words:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
-Matthew 6:14-15
Whoa!
It’s that important to him.
But, what is forgiveness? Is it saying, “I forgive you?” Do we say the magic words, cross it off our to do list and, boom, we’re off the hook?
Or is forgiveness much more than just a couple of words? Do we have the very definition of forgiveness wrong?
Is forgiveness without the pursuit of restoration/reconciliation even possible?
Consider the thief on the cross.
Jesus knew every rotten thing that man hanging next to him had ever done, yet He forgave him.
But he didn’t stop there. He assured the man he was restored to right standing and relationship, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
In fact, the man didn’t even say the words ‘forgive me,’ but, as with us, Jesus knew his heart (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10).)
What’s in our heart is more important than what we say.
Like the thief, the paralyzed man in Mark 2 didn’t ask Jesus to forgive him. He asked for healing, yet, Jesus forgave him first. But he didn’t just forgive him and then leave him hanging. He restored him. Physically and spiritually.
Restoration isn’t possible without forgiveness, but, again, is forgiveness possible without restoration?
Isn’t the restoration of relationship and fellowship the very heart of everything God pursues with us? He sent his own son to die in that pursuit.
That is radical love. It goes far beyond merely saying, “I forgive you.” It’s showing that we truly are forgiven.
But what if God was like us? What if God forgave like we do?
How would we feel if God said he forgave us, but didn’t restore fellowship? If He cut us off and didn’t restore our standing with Him, would you feel forgiven?
As followers of Jesus, living under the great commission, shouldn’t our ultimate desire for these people, even those who’ve hurt, persecuted and spitefully used us, be to see them reconciled to a right relationship with God?
In Luke 15, the father ran toward his prodigal son, unheard of in that culture. He recognized the act of his son’s return as the product of a contrite heart and couldn’t wait to extend forgiveness AND restoration. The truth is, he had forgiven his son, before he even returned. He waited with expectation and a soft heart.
As with love, forgiveness and the pursuit of restoration, is risky. The ‘prodigal father’ risked ridicule from his neighbors and peers, and further disappointment, hurt and betrayal from his son. His forgiveness and restoration was risky. It was going to cost him, but his love was greater than his fear.
Love without risk isn’t love.
The same is true for forgiveness, which makes sense because forgiveness is an act of love. Toward God, toward the other person, toward ourselves.
Can you think of a Biblical “hero” who messed up more than David? God didn’t just forgive him, and send him on his way; he restored fellowship to the point that he even called him a man after his own heart.
God doesn’t extend forgiveness without an offer of restoration.
In fact, restoration and reconciliation may be so integral to forgiveness that they’re actually part of the very definition of genuine forgiveness, not separate things.
How important is it to God that we restore our broken relationships? He doesn’t even want our offerings if our relationships with others aren’t right.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
-Matthew 5:23-24
Those verses are often used to illustrate the importance of forgiveness, but notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “make sure you say you’ve forgiven them.” He says “go and be reconciled.”
Of course, it’s up to the forgiven person to pursue that relationship and fellowship, as well. Romans 12:18 says “as far as it’s up to you.” We need to do all we can to “live in peace.” A half-hearted effort and “I tried” won’t cut it. We’ve gotta leave no stone unturned.
Listen, we’re all broken, hurting people, who hurt people sometimes. If we throw everyone who’s hurt us into a dark closet, deep inside us, we’re walking around with even more hurts and brokenness inside.
And we carry that with us. Everywhere. Always. Until, we allow restoration.
For most of us, there’s someone occupying space in the pit of our stomach. Someone we desperately want restored fellowship with, but won’t pursue it because we’re too scared of the risks.
But the bigger risk, is inaction. Its living with that ache in your heart, forever, and dying with the regret of not having tried hard enough.
See, real, complete forgiveness and restoration of broken fellowship with others isn’t just an act of love toward them, it’s a gift of freedom we give to ourselves.
God doesn’t tell us to do difficult things, like truly forgive, to punish us or put us through some sort of trial by fire, although, refine us it does.
God tells us to do it because he KNOWS it’s what’s best for us.
He wants our hearts broken for others, to be sure, but he wants our hearts and joy to be full.
Like a hoarder who fills all the rooms of his house with useless junk and is living in the one tiny open space left–that’s how we choose to live when we keep walling off sections of our hearts. We lose that capacity to love, and be loved.
With so many broken people who’ve hurt us locked up in those closets in our hearts, we find ourselves having to quickly open the door a crack, shove the next one in and trying to slam that thing shut before they all fall out.
Reconciliation and forgiveness aren’t easy, but they’re easier than what we put ourselves through otherwise.
When we choose unforgiveness, or shallow, empty forgiveness, our hearts not only shrink, in effect, but they harden. Living as judge, jury and executioner, in addition to warden to those people we’ve got locked up, takes a toll on us. It affects our relationship with God.
And it may affect our eternity.
In the context of relationships with others, specifically how we look at other people’s wrongdoings, Jesus tells us, “…in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2.)
Did you catch that?
Jesus says that the way we treat others, in terms of the grace, patience and forgiveness we show them, is exactly what we’re gonna get in return.
This is consistent with the God given principle of sowing and reaping.
He expects us to extend to others the same love, patience, and unending forgiveness that He gives to us!
The parable of the unforgiving servant showed us this, as well. (Matthew 18:21-35)
So, back to my question. Is forgiveness enough? Can forgiveness be complete without a sincere pursuit of restoration?
I can only answer with another question. What kind of forgiveness do we want? From others? From God?
Are we okay with God saying, “Okay, I forgive you,” but leaving us separated from him for eternity?
Isn’t restored fellowship the natural and obvious end product of forgiveness, or even an actual component of forgiveness itself?
Would you truly believe that God had forgiven you if He still condemned you to eternal separation?
The song writer reminds us of God’s relentless forgiveness:
“A thousand times I’ve failed
Still your mercy remains
Should I stumble again
Still I’m caught in your grace…
Your will above all else
My purpose remains”
Thankfully, our God forgives. And restores! In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul tells us to, “be imitators of God” and to “walk in the ways of love.” And in verse 6 of that chapter he says:
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.”
-Ephesians 5:6
Let’s not be fooled with our own empty words either. Let’s put actions to what we say. Let’s follow His example and forgive, restore and love like He does!
Personal note: My prayer is that God help me to love like He does. That I forgive 7 x 70. That I have as much patience with you as God has had with me and always seek restoration, even with those I don’t deserve it. That I see everything through the lens of my divine purpose in this life, to point others toward Christ, and that I do all I can to leverage everything I have, surrender my pride and live for God’s glory and the good of others.
I pray the same for you.
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I would love to hear your thoughts on this and would be honored to hear your stories of forgiveness and reconciliation. Reach out via email at mr@thez.com
From The Inside Out written by Joel Houston | Hillsong United.
“Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off of the goal.” – Henry Ford
A goal worth pursuing is, by definition, not going to be without some challenges.
If you’re climbing a mountain, it maybe the rocks or felled trees in your path, the thin air, the fatigue or steep inclines that try to steal your attention or shake your resolve. Don’t lose sight of the view from the top that’s waiting past the pain..
If it’s a restored relationship you’re fighting for, it may be the disappointments, the let downs, the hurt, the frustration, the waiting or the pain in the eyes of people you love who are also hurting. Don’t give up. Remember the promises of Luke 15, and how God never gave up on you, no matter what.
If it’s a health issue, remember, the road back is sometimes long and difficult, but recovery is worth it.
Whatever challenges you’re working through, remember that anything worth attaining takes effort, and that the hard work is worth it. Each road bump, thunder bolt and obstacle you get past brings you one step closer to your fulfilling your mission.
In some cases, you may not even be aware of the goal, or where it’s all leading. You may be facing a series of difficult circumstances that seem completely random and pointless.
But consider King David. As a young shepherd boy, he fought off a lion and a bear. I’m guessing that rescuing a sheep from the jaws of a lion or bear was never the driving purpose in his life, but it’s how he made it through those challenges that determined the extent to which God would use him.
For many, one such feat would be the crowning achievement of their lives. Today, they’d write a book, sell the movie rights, do a TedTalk and hit the speaking circuit.
But God had so much more in store for David.
Only the confidence gained and lessons learned in those situations could provide David with the real world courage to fight Goliath, while seasoned soldiers shook in their armor on the sidelines.
Our scariest days, and the giants we’re facing right now, are preparation for what God is ultimately working toward in and through us.
So even if you don’t know exactly where he’s taking you, trust that He’s got a plan and that, in the end, it will all make sense.
David didn’t kill Goliath. He just had the courage to trust and obey.
What God’s asking us to do may seem daunting. We may think we’re completely incapable of doing it, and we’re probably right. But the good news is, we don’t have to.
Moses couldn’t part the Red Sea if he had a million men and a degree in Marine Engineering from the Egyptian Naval Academy. He just needed to trust God enough to do the ridiculous.
Ditto Noah. And Abraham. And Joshua.
Think about what Jesus told the disabled man by the pool of Bethesda to do:
“Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.”
– John 5:8-9
This was a guy who hadn’t walked in almost 4 decades! He must’ve thought Jesus was CRAZY.
Get up and walk? Seriously? Been sitting here for 38 years, I’m pretty sure I’ve given that one a try already.
Even if Jesus’ words gave the man a flash of hope inside and he actually wanted to try, it would’ve been easy to talk himself out of it. Fear of failure, disappointment or looking ridiculous if he tried and fell back down would all be understandable.
How many of us in that situation would’ve written off what Jesus said as simply undoable? Impossible. Nuts.
How many of us are doing just that with what God’s asking us to do right now?
Remember, it’s not about what WE can do. We just have to be available and willing to trust and obey. God’ll take care of the impossible and improbable.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:13
If you want an amazing case study in LOVE beating out bitterness and resentment check out 1 Samuel 9. These twelve verses tell a remarkable story of choosing love and kindness over hate and revenge.
King David was thinking about his friend Jonathan one day, and likely re-living some of the pain Jonathan’s father, King Saul, had caused him. Saul spent years trying to hunt David down, desperately wanting to kill him.
So, David asks one of his men if King Saul has any living relatives. They track down the last of his descendants, a grandson named Mephibosheth, who was actually disabled (lame in both legs.)
The king’s men find Mephibosheth and haul him in to the court at David’s request.
You know this guy had to be FREAKING OUT. He had, no doubt, heard the stories over the years. He knew what his grandfather had done to David. It was pretty obvious what David’s intentions were here, he’d use his power and absolute authority to finally exact his revenge, right?
Instead, David turns to the guy and says, “Everything that once belonged to Saul is now YOURS!” David invites him to move into the palace and offers him a seat at his table. David even assigned about 30-35 people to take care of him.
Verse 11 says, “And from that time on, Mephibosheth, ate regularly at David’s table, just like one of his own sons.”
David could’ve easily chosen a different course of action. From a human standpoint, he had every reason to take out his hurts and anger on this man. Remarkably, he chose to show love, kindness and generosity instead.
Sounds like someone else I know…
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ~ Romans 5:8
How incredible!
Restoration begins when we give up our right to be bitter and choose to stop punishing those who’ve hurt us and start loving them. (Even if they don’t respond in kind.)
It’s not always easier to love, but it’s always better.
Growing In Grace 