A K-Cup of Forgiveness

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:7

I don't have a K-cup machine but I do have a single cup coffee brewer. K-cups eliminate waste but cost more per serving. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has partnered with Coke Cola to produce a machine that will dispense hot and cold beverages on demand. With the press of a button, consumers will be able to choose between their favorite hot and cold drinks. Ain't technology grand?

Sometimes forgiveness is measured out in K-cup portions. Doled out through gritted teeth, just enough to meet minimal standards is acceptable. Don't want to go overboard you know, the offender may get the wrong impression. God says forgive so what's the least I have to do to comply? I'll make that my benchmark.

“Be imitators of God,” Ephesians 5:1. Act like God. Think like He thinks. Do what He does. That's exciting when it comes to participating in the miraculous, supernatural stuff. For forgiveness, that's a bit extreme.

Many believe forgiveness doesn’t needed to be bigger than a K-Cup portion but God sees it differently. He always thinks bigger. He “abundantly pardons.” He blots out the sins so there's no evidence of them to remind Him of our actions. He even refuses to remember them. He blesses those who offend Him. He lavishes love and kindness when He has the right to extract revenge and wrath. Even more so, He expects His kids to follow His lead.

I now see forgiveness in a whole new light. It's much bigger. Before I go to God and complain that it is just too hard and so unfair, I need to stop and re-evaluate the situation. It cost God the life of His Son Jesus in order to be able to abundantly pardon me. Is anything I do going to top that? I doubt it.

God is willing to help us through the process of forgiveness. He walks with us through the emotional uproar that accompanies hurt, offense, betrayal, injustice and so forth. He knows forgiveness is primarily for our benefit and not the other party. He recognizes that sitting around in a sulking funk is counter-productive. He doesn't act that way and doesn't want us to either.

Are you upset with someone(s)? Hope not. If so, ask God to expand that K-Cup portion of forgiveness mentality so that it aligns with His “abundantly pardon” model. Believe Him to show you how to accomplish this His way. You'll brew the perfect cup of forgiveness and then enjoy it more than anyone else. Try it.

Photo: Photomorgue-Hotblack