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Our Daily Bread                                    Saturday, June 18 1994

                         BURYING THE HATCHET

Read: Matthew 6:5-15

Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. -- Colossians 3:13

Old Joe was dying. For years he had been at odds with Bill, formerly one of
his best friends. Wanting to straighten things out, he sent word for Bill to
come and see him. When Bill arrived, Joe told him that he was afraid to go
into eternity with such a bad feeling between them. Then, very reluctantly
and with great effort, Joe apologized for things he had said and done. He
also assured Bill that he forgave him for his offenses. Everything seemed fine
until Bill turned to go. As he walked out of the room, Joe called out after
him, "But, remember, if I get better, this doesn't count!"

What a picture of the way we often treat one another! The forgiveness we offer
is superficial, and it is given with a selfish motive. We say that we forgive,
but when the least little friction arises, how quick we are to resurrect past
grievances. We like to "bury the hatchet" with the handle sticking out. That
way we can easily pick it up again and use it to our advantage.

If our sinless Lord is willing to forgive us--with all our faults--how can we
withhold pardon from those who have sinned against us? True Christlike
forgiveness buries the hatchet completely. --RWD

                           For Further Thought
                  What happens to your fellowship with God
                   when you hold a grudge? (Matt. 6:15).
                 Can you think of someone you need to forgive?

Bible in one year: 1 Kings 11-13

Thought for the day:

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Forgiveness is the glue that repairs broken relationships
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