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“If God has forgiven me for every offense, how can I take offense at someone else’s sin?”

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Location 1888). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

I was standing in the Express Line at Whole Foods a couple of hours ago and I was really frustrated to the point that I wanted to say something to the guy in front of me who had more than 12 items.  The sign said that the line was for people who had 12 items or less.  But as I was walking out having a conversation in my mind with that guy God broke in with something that I had asked Him to forgive me for and that put me right in my place. 

If God had forgiven me for the offense I had done how could I take offense at this nonsensical action this guy had done?  But we do it I think because we don’t really realize that He has forgiven us.  It’s probably because we haven’t forgiven our self or even because we haven’t accepted what He has already done for us.  “If God has forgiven me for every offense, how can I take offense at someone else’s sin?”

Every offense that we have ever done He has already forgiven us.  All we need to do is accept it.  We’re not bringing judgment on others but upon ourselves.  It may mean that if I take offense at everyone else’s sin then I maybe haven’t accepted that He has forgiven every one of my offenses.

So if we are judgmental then maybe that is where we should start.  He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Just accept that forgiveness that He gave to you and me when He was on the cross.

So how do you handle other people’s sins?  
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  1. Chaffee Street Cafe`May 15, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    Bill, Sometimes I, too, get irked with people who don't follow the rules. But at the same time, I am guilty of using these express lanes and being over the limit. It is good to put on the brakes and try to take life less seriously. Next time you feel the urge to say something think of how your eight-year old self would view the situation. Be happy.

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