An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Eternal Forgiveness, Temporal Consequences

(Proverbs 25:10 KJV)  Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

This is a continuation of the previous verse but gives an important addition.  We are reminded that once we have lost our credibility, that reputation will not “turn away” (pass away NASB) (7725).

No one is perfect.  We make mistakes.  From an eternal point of view, God has made allowance for that.  It is called repentance and forgiveness.  That is what John meant when he wrote,
(1 John 1:9 KJV)  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
God understands.

People don’t.  One of the sad facts of life is that we must live with the consequences of our actions.  This is a chance to practice humility and patience.  God’s grace will help us with those we have wronged, it just may take longer than with Him.

So?  Do what you can.  Repent.  Apologize.  Do restitution if it applies.  Get on with life knowing that God’s forgiveness is our model, not the actions of our fellow man.

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