PUT UP WITH EACH OTHER, AND FORGIVE ANYONE WHO DOES YOU WRONG.
COLOSSIANS 3:13
This silly story appeared in a newspaper’s letter column: ‘A lady took my seat in church. My seat is on the right as you enter the sanctuary. I can rest my arm on the end. It’s a good seat, but I wouldn’t raise a fuss about a seat. Actually, it was three months ago she took it and I really don’t know why. I’ve never done anything to her, never taken her seat. I suppose I’ll have to come an hour early now to get my seat. She took it because it’s one of the best seats in the house. She’d no business taking it and I’m not going to church two hours early to get what’s rightfully mine! This is the way great social injustices begin: abusive people taking other people’s seats! It’s the way seeds of revolution are sown. A person can only stand so much. Where’s it all going to end? If somebody doesn’t stand up and be counted, nobody’s seat will be safe. People will sit where they please, and next they’ll take my parking place. World order will be in shambles!’ You smile, but it’s amazing how quickly you can get bent out of shape when what you think is’ rightfully yours’ is taken away. Paul writes, ‘Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong…as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything…It…ties everything… together.’ Plus if you let bitterness into your heart you’ll just end up hurting yourself. If someone upsets you be quick to forgive them, so you don’t get stuck in a rut and you can move on and enjoy living.
