Take a look—this is what strength looks like. Antiquated? Incredulous? Foolish? Already noted (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). This is what strength looks like and it goes against every part of me. We call bully’s cowards because it’s easy to bully; turn the other cheek and you’ll begin to understand the comparative difficultly of what we call “grace” and “forgiveness.” What’s more challenging than giving grace and forgiveness in reply to a personal injustice? What we readily accept we seldom give because injustice sucks. But at the cross of Christ injustice met justice in grace offering forgiveness.
Christians: how can we not bear with one another in grace and forgiveness knowing this is our salvation?
Non-Christians: is this Antiquated? Yep. Incredulous? Yep. Foolish? Yep. But is it True? Yes. Life changing? Yes. World changing? Yes.
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you…”
(Psa. 86:5)
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends…”
(Prov. 17:9)
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him…”
(Dan. 9:9)
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you…”
(Col. 13:3)
The correlation between suffering and identity is well established in the literature of mainstream religions and worldviews. People’s deepest held convictions are exposed in the fires of trial – especially personal injustices. As hard as it is to say, and as much as I don’t feel like I can even identify with what my fingers are typing, the truth is: personal injustices offer unique moments to light up the world with the gospel flame of grace and forgiveness! Social Justice Saving Justice upends the world and it starts with me before God, it starts with you before God; not “them,” not “they,” not “I”—you.
Take Up Thy Cross, Thy Saviour Said
Charles W. Everest (1833)
Take up your cross, the Saviour said,
if my disciple you would be;
deny yourself, the world forsake,
and humbly follow after me.
Take up your cross; let not its weight
fill frightened spirit with alarm;
his strength shall bear your spirit up,
and brace your heart, and nerve your arm.
Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,
nor let your foolish pride rebel:
for you the Saviour bore the cross,
to save your soul from death and hell.
Take up your cross, then, in Christ’s strength,
and every danger calmly brave;
’twill guide you to a heavenly home,
and lead to victory o’er the grave.
Take up your cross and follow Christ,
nor think till death to lay it down,
for only those who bear the cross
may hope to wear the glorious crown.
