June 3, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom <\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally<\/em> true in principle, not a universally <\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs 17 explores a variety of topics and brings God\u2019s wisdom to bear on them. One such topic is the issue of holding grudges. Verse 9 says \u201cWhoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.\u201d The author is saying part of living a wise life is to be a forgiving person and not repeatedly dig up old relational wounds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We see this principle at work in Jesus\u2019 parable of the unmerciful servant; those who have been forgiven much should, in turn, also forgive others much! This means that, as followers of Jesus, we must<\/em>show the same mercy we have been shown in Christ. We cover over the offenses of others in order to demonstrate the love that God has shown in covering over ours!<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, when we refuse to show mercy, we actually demonstrate that we do not esteem the mercy God has shown us (see Matthew 18:32-33). Let\u2019s celebrate the forgiveness of God towards us by refusing to hold grudges against others, by freely forgiving as we have been freely forgiven!<\/p>\n\n\n\n