by Dane Massey
(Dane Massey is the former Pastor of Mulvane Christian Church. He is now in ministry in Houston, Texas.)
The thought that seems to permeate through II Cor. 3:18 is that we are “transformed” not by keeping outward rules but by “contemplating” (musing, looking upon intently, meditating) the Lord’s glory (all that He is and has done).
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” II Cor. 3:18
A.W. Tozer stated, “The most important thought that crosses a man’s mind is what he thinks when he hears the word, God.”
The truth behind II Cor. 3:18 is very simple.
“Behind every sinful lifestyle, every bondage, addiction, habit, and action lies a lack of understanding, appreciation, and experience of all that Christ is, has done and has supplied.”
This week I found myself thinking on forgiveness through this same prism. Is the ability to forgive rooted in understanding, appreciating and experiencing all that Christ is, has done, and supplied?
Years ago I had the privilege of spending time with a man who had spent almost seven years in a Cuban prison for his testimony for Christ. His gentle and kind spirit was amazing as he spoke of the horrendous conditions and tortuous treatment. As we visited he made the statement:
“Forgiveness is more than something a believer does. It is their lifestyle. It is who they are!”
His statement rings true when laid alongside Jesus response to Peter’s question concerning forgiveness:
“Then came Peter to him, and said, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matt/ 18:21-22).
This lifestyle of forgiveness becomes incredibly challenging as we move through this broken world. Relationships strain and moan, many times fracturing and shattering into pieces. Families are broken, friendships of years are fractured it seems beyond repair. Words are spoken and received that can never be taken back.
How do we navigate this raging sea where bitterness is always lying in wait. Unforgiveness is the seed, watered by weariness, that produces the deep root of bitterness that defiles.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds…..”
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” (Hebrews 12:2-3,14-15).
If it’s possible, that one could sin against us 490 times and forgiveness is still required, a lifestyle of forgiveness is definitely needed. From what fountain could such a lifestyle flow? Surely not from one’s own will power?
Jesus points us to the source, the fountainhead of our own forgiveness!
“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.”
“The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’ Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.”
But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservant, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me that thou owest.’ And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’ And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.”
“So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.”
“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matt 18:23-35)
As we unpackage Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness certain facts are important.
1.) The comparison of the debts owed. One translation has the servant owing the King 10,000 bags of gold while his fellow servant owed him 100 coins of silver.
2.) Both men request the same, “be patience with me and I will pay all.”
3.) Unforgiveness is the equivalent of holding someone in an emotional debtors prison. What we are doing is holding them there and they are not getting out until they pay the debt. We have a mental file cabinet with their name on it. Whenever we think of them or see them, the file opens, and a list of debts, “you-owe-mes” are brought forth:
“You said this! You owe me an apology!”
“You did this! You owe me …”
The file is very long and very detailed as we read the charges to ourselves, slam the file shut, and reaffirm that they deserve to stay in prison!
It’s amazing how we can read the file like it happened today. We can rehearse the event and mentally layout the charges, and even deliver the closing thoughts with all the anger, sarcasm and cutting remarks we wish we had said when the event happened.
Forgiveness, therefore is the canceling of the debt. To stamp on one’s file “paid in full”!
4.). We may not see the unforgiveness and bitterness but fellow believers can hear it in our voices. Notice it is the other servants who bring the matter to the King.
5.) At the end of the story two men are in prison but only one holds the key. The one with the heart of bitterness and unforgiveness.
So how do we open the jail and let, not only those we have imprisoned free, but ourselves as well?
Jesus points to our own forgivenesses, to our own incredible debt and the cost of our own redemption. How can one walk to Calvary, meditate upon Christ and the price He paid for our debt and not forgive?
Forgiveness begins with a deep and proper appreciation of our own redemption! Why would I need the $10 I believe someone owes me if I have no debt? If I’ve been forgiven millions?
“The forgiveness of God through Christ is a continual flowing fountain. My forgiveness of others is merely allowing that flow to continue through my life.
I need to empty my “you owe me” file. Taking each one, placing it beside my own at the Cross and reflecting on it in the light my own debt that has been stamped: “Paid in full at Calvary!”
When the debts owed me by others are seen in the light of the Cross rather than viewed in the darkness of my own bitterness they look incredibly small.
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