?

Last Sunday I brought a message about forgiveness and what is demanded of us as sinners who have received forgiveness from God.  One section of the message was titled, “What if?”

I remember when my children were young, especially when they were teenagers. It seemed they were consumed by the “What if?” question.

I would tell them to come directly home from school and that would prompt a series of “What if’s?”  What if I’m hungry and want to stop for something to eat? What if John asks me to take him home? What if Sara asks me to come over and help her with her homework?  What if? What if? What if?  Thankfully, they outgrew the “What if?” phase.

But I am not sure I did. How many time have I asked God, “What if?” when he has commanded me to do something, such as forgive someone I really do not want to forgive.  Or if He asks me to forgive someone who is not at all sorry about hurting or offending me.

I think the Scriptures are clear that none of the elements of forgiveness are dependent on our situations or the actions of other people. God’s Word or call on our lives is never at the mercy of the behavior of others, and His Word stands regardless of the difficulties we face.

Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you”

I think God must hate “What if?” questions as much as I do. Maybe more!