For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure – Philippians 2:13
“We could really use more erasers,” Maxwell overheard Mrs. Wilson sigh into her phone while he was walking down the hallway. Seeing a perfect opportunity to get out of detention, Maxwell dashed into his homeroom. Shortly thereafter, upon Mrs. Wilson’s entrance, Maxwell proudly announced, “Got your erasers as you requested, Mrs. Wilson!” pointing to the objects neatly aligned along the chalk tray. Recognizing Maxwell’s misinterpretation and his motives, Mrs. Wilson chuckled and patted his shoulder. After explaining that her earlier comment was about the world’s need for more grace and forgiveness, Mrs. Wilson smiled and said, “Maxwell, while your past behavior certainly warrants disciplinary action, I think you could use a dose of what I said we need more of. So, you’re getting a clean slate this time.”
If I had to choose which of Jesus’ teachings I’ve struggled with the most, it would be the call to forgive. The difficulty can be traced to how severe the offense had been. In those times, I’ve found guidance by looking to Jesus—who chose forgiveness even in the midst of suffering—and Philippians 2:13, trusting that God’s grace, coupled with a desire to extend grace, would help me obey Him.
Perhaps you’ve been challenged, like me, when it comes to forgiveness—particularly when the wound is deep. Yet, we can trust that God will empower us to become erasers, forgiving others as Jesus did.