FEAR OR FORGIVENESS
In my world of Unorthodox Christianity the lesson of Jesus that I feel comes from GOD is written from the cross.
“FATHER (GOD) FORGIVE THEM THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO”.
I am certain that my two dogs are GOD’S chosen gift to me. They represent the very example of GOD who has given me free will. When I get frustrated in a moment of stress and get upset with them, they lie down a number of feet away for awhile. Soon after that ‘while’ they come and sit down bedside me and whisper “Forgive him GOD, he does not know what he is doing”. I can not help but ask their forgiveness and recognize that nothing is free of response. Everything has consequences. I consistently meet good and caring people to offset the influence of the bad. But I would have a different GOD if I believed in a GOD of retribution. That is not the example of my dogs. Nor is it the example of JESUS. I have seen too many examples of a loving GOD that jumps right in to help at a moments notice even if I did not have time to ask GOD for it.
If I were to fear anything from GOD, I would fear GOD leaving me.
The prodigal son was afraid that his father would desert him from what he had asked and done……..His father welcomed him for the son he thought was lost was found. (Luke 15:11)
It is written “GOD would never desert you, or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8)” . For me GOD is a force always at work preparing the Future for me as my life moves forward to embrace it. I do not ever wish to have to FEAR GOD’S wrath, I would fear GOD turning GOD’S back on me because I have failed to pay attention to the consequences as a result of my actions that disappointed the one who has given me so much to be grateful for.
UNORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY is about being forgiven by LOVE. By living my life knowing of GOD’S forgiving LOVE and concern for me. To me, there can be no such thing as a retributive ‘LOVE”. Retribution is a human emotion and subsequent judgment. If I suffer the judgment of human instigation for actions that I have brought upon myself, my advocate argues: “FORGIVE HIM GOD FOR HE KNOWS NOT WHAT HE HAS DONE”.
When I recognize that FORGIVENESS has to be MY COURSE or PRAYER, I recognize that GOD would not approve of what I had done and I pray “DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON ME”. I can choose a GOD whom I respect and do not want to disappoint, or I can selfishly embark on what I want to do to satisfy myself. I am too grateful to GOD for all GOD has done for me to ever fear GOD turning GOD’S Back to me.
Do I choose FEAR or FORGIVENESS?
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23)