Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday September 15, 2010

The Great Blonde shoved a book under my nose and in her loving tone, which implies, in another place I would make lampshades of your skin if you had tattoos, said, "Here, read this. You need it." This innate kindness has inspired me for years. O' come, O’' come Lord Jesus.

The great one had just finished reviewing "The Traveler's Gift," by Andy Andrews for the October issue of "Larry Lilly's Journal." Well, she was right again, though this is no surprise to her, and to me it is maddening.

In "The Traveler’s Gift" Mr. Andrews has Abraham Lincoln stating a truth that I deal with extensively in my soon to be published book, "Outrageous Forgiveness In 30 Days."

Here is the statement the world needs to hear, and SEE in the life of Christians:

"Where is the rule written that before I forgive people, they have to deserve it? Where is it written that to be forgiven by me, you must have wronged me no more than three times? Or seven? Or seventeen? The unmistakable truth about forgiveness is that is NOT a reward that must be earned; forgiveness is a gift to be given."

One of the mind boggling lessons in studying Jesus is that unlike mere human teachers who posited many grand ideas, Jesus Christ, the Son of God demonstrated His truth. At Calvary, as He was being crucified, He stated unequivocally, "Father Forgive Them" referring to the 'them' that were doing the deed. Stephen did the same thing as he was being stoned to death.

"A gift to be given." This is to be done freely and not as a potentate tyrant to a begging suppliant on his face in the dirt receiving some sort of something that masquerades as the real thing.

Keep in mind this article or the coming book is not about how or why others should forgive you, but the kind of forgiveness you are to freely give to others. Hey, if Jesus did it, it is okay for you and me to do likewise.

Andy's book closes the scene with Lincoln telling David that forgiveness has too long been withheld from a very important person. David learns that this unforgiven person holding back his growth is himself. Yes, it is biblical; thus wise to forgive yourself.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2010 Use with credit

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