Words of Grace 4/8

In many things we all offend others, according to James 3:2. On the other hand, we all are offended. It is the inevitable that both will happen many times.

Someone once said that because we get hurt by others, it is absolutely imperative that we learn how to forgive totally and unconditionally. We are to forgive, even as we have been forgiven.

General Robert E. Lee headed up the Confederate army during the Civil War. After the war was over he visited in the home of a very wealthy woman from Kentucky.

During The Visit she told Lee about a huge tree on her property. After dinner she took him out to see the tree.
Pointing to all the bullet holes she said, “General, look at this tree. It has been ruined by all the artillery fire, absolutely ruined!”

General Lee stood there listening to her bitter words. Finally, when she was done speaking, he looked at her and said,” Ma’am, cut down the tree in forget it.”

The Bible tells us to forget, yes, to forget the things that are behind us, and to reach for the things that are before us. (Philippians 3:13)