the proverbs study group

#32Chapters
Chapter 17 - Forgive Hallerin Hilton Hill

Last week...
Patience = strength. Self-control = success key.

This weeks main point(s).

Forgive. Shut up. Proverbs amazes me in the way it pushes us toward maturity in our relationships. One of the premiere life skills to learn and earn is the art and skill of forgiveness. Solomon shows us that forgiveness is the fuel of great friendships. But notice this: forgiveness is only necessary if there is something to be forgiven. Your friends are not perfect. People are not perfect. You are not perfect. It is the expectation of perfection that keeps us disappointed. Jesus modeled this aggressive, radical kind of forgiveness. There He is hanging from the cross. He tastes his own blood as it ows from His brow and over his lips. He couldnt wipe His face. His hands were occupied with nails. It was through those blood soaked lips that he says Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Take a look at all the variations of verse 9. Those who forgive insults keep their friends. Those who harp on faults are lonely. Shapiro

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. King James Version Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight andgoodbye, friend! The Message He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. Amplied

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. New Living Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, and whoso is repeating a matter is separating a familiar friend. Youngs literal translation He who covers a sin looks for love. He who tells of trouble separates good friends. New Life Version One reason I was so attracted to this text is because it challenged me to deal with a problem I have. That problem is unrealistic expectations. I expect human people to be divine. I expect perfection from others while I expect understanding for my aws and foibles. There are two clear instructions. 1. Forgive people. 2. Stop talking about it. Thats the hard one for me. I have claimed that I have forgiven situations but I keep the situation on life support by talking about it. Is God wrong about forgiveness?
Grow. Help others grow. Be Encouraged. Wisdom House Publishing
(c) 2012 Hallerin Hilton Hill