It is hard to forgive especially the first time real forgiveness must come to play. As little ones, we are taught to say "I'm sorry" and "will you forgive me." In the process, we also learn to forgive others. As an adult, real forgiveness can be extremely difficult as the disciples were struggling with the concept.
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you! Luke 17:6
This has been one of the most misused verses in the Bible. Jesus is having a discussion with his disciples about bitterness and forgiveness. He is telling them they need to forgive seven times in one day if necessary. It is hard enough to forgive someone one time but to forgive someone if they offend or hurt us seven times, that will take a miracle. It would take more faith than they could muster. The disciples are saying they need more faith to be able to do such a thing, "increase our faith," they ask. Jesus response is what we just read.
It is important that we recognize exactly what Jesus is saying he is very specific. Jesus said with enough faith you could say to "this" which is to say, a very specific thing. The mulberry tree represents all the bitterness and unforgiveness that can come from all the wounds and rejection.
He chose a mulberry tree for very specific reasons. First, this type of tree would not die easily. You could chop it down, and if you didn't get all of the roots, it would come right back, just like bitterness and unforgiveness. Secondly, it grows very easily and loves a very dry environment. It doesn't take much to make bitterness and unforgiveness to grow, and they grow best in a spiritually dry environment. Third, this particular type of mulberry is a very bitter fruit. To eat it, people would nibble on it, leave it for a moment, then come back to it and nibble again. People with bitterness and unforgiveness produce bitterness for others too. Like eating the fruit, they will often chew on it for a long time, spend time thinking about the offense, then come back and nibble again, think about the offense then nibble again.
Is this you, do you see this type of bitterness or unforgiveness in your life. It doesn't have to remain. There is also another aspect or two about this tree that needs to be tossed that we need to deal with, so this week I just want you to examine your heart for the unforgiveness and bitterness, and then next week I will share how to be free.
Ask the Lord to reveal any unforgiveness or bitterness that might be alive in you. The Lord will set you free!
1 comment:
Forgiveness is freeing but so hard to release at times. Especially when you have to forgive someone who truly isn’t or will they ever be sorry for what they have done. Forgiveness isn’t about someone else it’s about ourselves. We must be able to forgive others so that God can forgive us. Forgiveness is a true act of humility and we must “choose” to forgive it’s our own choice. Bitter waters and fresh waters don’t mix soon all the water will be contaminated if not dealt with.
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