There are people in this world who you may think don't deserve forgiveness or a second chance but that won't change God's mind about them because he knows we are all sinners and we all needed saving. We all can be changed by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior and taking up our cross and following him, by practicing self-control, and by overcoming the things that drag us down and tear us away from a close relationship with God. Sometimes we may feel like forgiving someone is a sacrifice because we've been hurt so deeply, but Christ came to save all. He died so that everyone who believes can be forgiven.
The Pharisees laughed at and scorned Jesus for eating and drinking with sinners. He associated with people who needed him, who needed saving. He rescued people from their current heart status to one of being made righteous through him. We are not to judge others. We are not to judge someone according to their mistakes or poor decisions. We are not to judge anyone.
We are all sinners. If in your heart you hate your brother you are guilty of murder. God knows all hearts. Even children of God hurt each other unintentionally because they're not keeping a check on their heart and constantly realigning it with God's will. We are to show compassion and love. We are to put our own feelings aside and let Christ shine through us.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that you and your wants and needs are more important than anyone else's. Jesus gives us the strength to overcome any adversity. Jesus takes away alcoholism. Jesus takes away drug addiction. Sometimes the transformation isn't easy. That's why we should be ready with an encouraging word to help others. Don't let your feelings rob you of what you have in Christ. Don't sacrifice the abundance of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life for hate, revenge, or bitterness.
Be a light to others. Put your feelings aside until you can have and show the compassion that Jesus gave us. We're none better than anyone else. God is not a respecter of persons. Jesus didn't put any limitations on who can be saved or who can be forgiven. He didn't come to condemn, but to save.
Lisa C
