Perhaps it’s the most frequent moral contradiction in our lives. Maybe it’s the place where we all stumble the most. How is it possible that we who have been blessed with eternal forgiveness can be so regularly unforgiving to those around us? Here are a few reminders to help us close the gap between what we say we believe and how we treat others when it comes to forgiveness. 1. Forgiveness is a daily practice. The Lord’s Prayer commands us to pray, “Forgive... Read More

It’s inevitable. If you live and interact with other sinners, you will experience conflict. Conflict shouldn’t scare you or be avoided like the plague. In fact, conflict can be very good. It’s a significant way that God works in our lives, and the Bible is a book about God entering into conflict to save us. So why are we afraid of conflict? Because it tends to get very ugly, very quickly. Our typical response s to point the finger at our opponent: “I did that because you…” or “I wouldn’t... Read More

When was the last time you talked with a friend? I’m not sure how serious the conversation was, but one thing I am sure of is this: your words were not insignificant. There’s an amazing proverb that Eugene Peterson translates: “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.“ (Proverbs 18:21, The Message ) How do you use words to “give life“ to your friendship? Does it mean that you quote Scripture incessantly? Should you continuously point out the sin in... Read More

Are you struggling with a friendship? It’s tempting to evaluate the trouble and identify the source of trouble as outside of your control. You wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Your friends are inherently weak and sinful; you can’t change them. Their words and actions will affect you in hurtful and harmful ways; you can’t control them. Unfortunately, so are we. And so do ours. When sin in a friendship splashes up in your face, how will you respond? Will you compound... Read More