those who are forgiven much, loves much.
Could someone actually be forgiven a debt of millions and be unable to forgive a debt of hundreds? Could a person be set free and then imprison another?
You dont have to be a theologian to answer those questions; you only have to look in the mirror. Who among us has not begged God for mercy on Sunday and the demanded justice on Monday? Who hasn't served as a bottleneck instead of a conduit of God's love? Is there anyone who doesn't , at one time ore the other,"show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you towards repentance?"
Is this the way you are coping with your hurts? Are you allowing your hurts to turn into hates? Is so, ask yourself: Is it working? Has your hatred done you any good? Has your resentment brought you any relief, any peace? Has it granted you any joy?
Lets say you get even. Lets say you get him back. Lets say she gets what she deserves. Lets say your fantasy of fury runs it ferocious course and you return all your pain with interest. Imagine yourself standing over the corpse of the one you have hated. Will you now be free?
Notice what God does when we calibrate our compassion. He turns us over to be tortured. Tortured by anger. Choked by bitterness. Consumed by revenge.
Such is the punishment for one who tastes God's grace but refuses to share it.
But for one who tastes God's grace and then gives it to others, the reward is a blessed liberation. The prison door is thrown open, and the prisoner set free is your self.
-the applause of heaven
