Living In The Light

September 4, The Service Of Forgiveness

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
—Ephesians 4:32 LL 262.1

What a wonderful reverence Jesus expressed in His life mission for human life! He stood not among the people as a king demanding attention, reverence, service, but as one who wished to serve, to lift up humanity. He said He had not come to be ministered unto, but to minister. I am sure that the great lesson of forgiveness must be learned more perfectly by us all, and we must practice the Christian graces. Wherever Christ saw a human being He saw one who needed human sympathy. Many of us are willing to serve certain ones—those whom we honor—but the very ones to whom Christ would make us a blessing if we were not so cold-hearted, so unkind and selfish, we pass by as unworthy of our notice. We do not help them, though it is our duty to do this—to bear with their rudeness, while seeking to cultivate the opposite traits of character. We must work the works of Christ. The greatest wrong we can do others, if we think ourselves injured by them in any way, is to be unforgiving. This is a most dangerous position for professed Christians, because just in the manner that they treat their brethren, so will the Lord of heaven treat them. . . . LL 262.2

We have a great truth and great light; and if we walk in the light as it shines upon our pathway, we shall have increased light. Our works should correspond with our faith. Oh, why are we not more in earnest? Why do we not rise to our high privilege, and partake of the divine nature? As the wax takes the imprint of the seal, so must the soul receive and retain the moral image of God. We may become filled with His love, and transfigured by beholding His purity and righteousness. Our souls will become sluggish and our faith enfeebled unless we arouse and have a firm, steady, active faith. He “that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” LL 262.3

The great sin of God’s people at the present time is that we do not appreciate the value of the blessings God has bestowed upon us. We serve Him with a divided heart. There are many who are cherishing some idol, and worshiping at its shrine. . . . God is seeking by means of His truth to make us a separate and peculiar people.— Review and Herald, April 12, 1887. LL 262.4

Further Reflection: : Do you struggle to forgive people who have hurt you? LL 262.5