I visited my nephew, whom I’ll call Ned, and his wife. While there, I had a minor accident and made a mess. Without going into detail, I thought I had cleaned it up. Thinking I had cleaned up my mess, I told Ned I didn’t make a mess. I was not thinking clearly at the time. I should have told him the whole story but didn’t. I felt horrible about what I had done.
I don’t lie on purpose, but I was accused of doing so. I have known Ned since he was young, and he’s like a son to me. I want Ned to forgive me for the benefit of both of us. I tried writing a letter of apology, but for now, he does not want to forgive me. I must put the matter into God’s hands.
I have not met anyone who is totally perfect. We have a sin nature. No matter how hard we try, we will never be faultless. We need to forgive each other at all times. When we don’t, we become bitter. When we are bitter, we often become harsh toward others. I am thankful for Jesus forgiving me because I have made so many mistakes.
I can learn how important it is to forgive others because of what happened with Ned. If Jesus can forgive me, I can forgive others as He asks us to. My nephew is far away from the Lord, and I do not think he understands that Jesus offers us the forgiveness we all need.
Think of someone you need to forgive.
Ken Ebright is a former Minnesotan who lives in Belleville, Illinois. He plays a keyboard, sings in a men’s choir, and does street witnessing. He has an associate’s degree in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College and Seminary and wants to reach lost people.