The More I Get to Know People

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

the more I get to know people,

the more I begin to understand just

how messed up they truly are;

hypocrites and fakes,

hiding behind self-righteous walls

and smoking mirrors,

pretending to be kind and gracious,

when inside they are ravenous dogs,

concerned only with themselves

and their own agendas;

talking about being positive

or being quiet,

when all they are really concerned with

is political correctness and making

themselves look magnanimous;

the more I get to know people,

the more I begin to understand just how

great God is;

loving unconditionally,

sacrificing His only begotten Son,

for a world not worthy to kiss

the dirt beneath His sandals,

forgiving completely;

the more I get to know people,

the more I begin to understand

that I could never truly forgive

and love others on my own,

that it requires something much

bigger than myself,

a power much greater than that

which I possess;

a power that is righteous,

a power that is perfect,

a power that is holy.

 .

.