I do not know about you, but, for me, this is a kind of phrase that we listen to a lot from our parents while growing up. It shows that there are limits that should be respected and, even though we are important to our parents, the world does not revolve around us. We need to be mindful of others.
The same happens in our Christian walk. It is not always about us. For sure, God wants to bless us more and more. He wants us to be prosperous and healthy. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Bible says:
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”.
Even though this is a promise made from God to a specific people – the people of Israel – this is a truth that remains today. God has plans and a future available for all of His children.
However, the Gospel is not just about us. There is a higher purpose for our blessings and for our prosperity. We are blessed to bless others. Matthew 28:19 expresses clearly this great commission:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”.
Apostle Paul also warns us to work out our salvation in Philippians 2:12, meaning for us to bring it to full effect, by cultivating our salvation. That is right that God wants to save each person on Earth from eternal damnation; however, after being saved, we are included in this great commission of spreading the love of God and of blessing others.
After receiving salvation, His love becomes part of us. It becomes part of who we are as children of God. Therefore, we must share it with others; so that the world may see His goodness and kindness through us. That is also related to forgiveness. It is amazing to talk about love and to feel loved; however, sometimes, we do not share the same excitement when talking about forgiving offenses and wrongdoings. We want to be forgiven, but do we want to forgive others with the same speed?
I understand that sometimes the other person (the one who committed the offense or prejudice) does not deserve forgiveness. The wound is just too deep; the problem is just too profound. We do not ever want to forgive this person. The damage and the pain caused are just too much to simply “be erased” with forgiveness. Sometimes, the offender does not do anything to deserve forgiveness; there are no signs of repentance.
However, once again, we have to realize: it is not just about ourselves. It is about Jesus and about His love dwelling inside of us. His love is forgiving and giving. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him could have eternal life. God not only loved us undeservingly, but also gave us the gift of eternal life. No matter who you were before accepting Jesus, God forgave your sins.
I am always impressed by the passage (in Luke 23) in which Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals. Those two deserved to be there. They committed enough crimes to deserve the highest form of death penalty at that time – the cross. However, one repented and recognized that Jesus was the son of God. Right away, he received forgiveness and salvation:
“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong’. Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’. Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:40-43).
The love of God in us should flow without hindrance. Lack of forgiveness brings us unnecessary burden and weight spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. It develops into bitterness and makes us slaves of it; suddenly all areas of our lives revolve around this bitterness, and we end up torturing ourselves by constantly remembering the offense.
This is the total opposite of reflecting God’s grace and glory. The Bible says that we should owe no one anything, except to love each other (Romans 13:8), meaning that love always comes first in treating others. Through a forgiving heart, we demonstrate God’s nature and love. And, also, we free ourselves from unnecessary burdens. It is not always about your flesh, but it is always about the grace of God that abounds inside of you. Let His love overflow from you to others. Decide to live a life that reflects grace as you reflect Jesus more and more through your actions.