Lord, Forgive Me

“In humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3b, NIV).

Have you ever discovered that you have unintentionally wounded someone?  Have you ever tried so hard to help someone else that your way of helping becomes too strong—too determined—perhaps, even too controlling? Have you ever said something without thinking how your words might affect someone else? I have. Have you ever turned away from someone’s need because it would take too much of your time or effort? Have you ever ignored someone’s pain because you feel it might demand too much of you?  Have you ever held someone at arm’s length when you really long to be a part of their life?  If we are honest all of us at some time have found ourselves dealing with these kind of issues and the feelings that they bring.

Life is not just about me. I am called to value others above myself. Valuing someone means more than just caring about them. When I value another person I respect who they are. I respect their character and their opinion. I listen to their concerns without placing any judgment or expectation upon them. I become less concerned about my own needs and more attuned to theirs. In the perfectly lived Christian life I should live this way, but the truth is laying down your life for someone else is not easy. Jesus knows my ability to make it terribly complicated. He calls me to realize that when I surrender who I am for who He is, He makes it so much easier. In Him surrender is simple. Forgiveness makes it simple. Forgiveness frees me to love others. Forgiveness leads me to a place where I continually seek never to inflict pain again—to never speak or act without thinking how someone else is affected. I never want to erect walls, or by my words or actions force someone else to erect their own walls. Forgiveness leads me to what I need to change about myself, and it strips me of pride that threatens to consume my heart. An old hymn by C.M. Battersby shares this.

If I have wounded any soul today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have walked in my own willful way
Dear Lord, forgive!

If I have uttered idle words or vain
If I have turned aside from want or pain
Lest I myself should suffer through the strain
Dear Lord, forgive!

If I have been perverse, or hard, or cold
If I have longed for shelter in the fold
When Thou hast given me some fort to hold
Dear Lord, forgive!

Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee;
Forgive the secret sins I do not see;
O guide me, love me, and my keeper be.
Dear Lord, forgive!

Lord, help me to make myself less. Help me to carry the hearts of others with great care and reverence. Help me to extend grace as you continually extend it to me. Guide me. Love me. Teach me how to keep your love simple and uncomplicated and always unconditional.

 Lynn Hampton Lacher