A New Grill Perspective
Speaking of Grill Confessions, my rebuilt grill provides a different perspective to grilling. Let me explain.
Prior to cleaning out all the crude crud and gunk, the grill had developed hot and cool spots. There was one spot where food would simply burn instead of cooking, and another spot where it barely got warm. Fortunately, there was plenty of space along the sides and back of the grill where the food cooked relatively the same with good positioning and food rotation. I learned how to “work the grill” over a period of time.
Then, as I explained in the previous post, I cleaned out the bottom of the grill and replaced the burner assembly. Now I have relatively even heat throughout the grill. This is an amazing new perspective and grilling experience. I find myself wondering why it took so long for me to clean it all up.
This also got me wondering why Christians will wait so long before finally giving something over to the Lord. When we find ourselves struggling with a burden, particularly unforgiveness or grudges, we develop a habit of repositioning ourselves with this burden and learning how to make it work.
Unfortunately, this repositioning impacts our relationships, developing hot and cool reactions to others. These reactions only multiply the unforgiveness. Think about this: when we are hot with others, our anger gives another person a reason to hold a grudge against us; and likewise, when we are cool with others, our indifference gives another person a chance to be angry, or hold unforgiveness against us. The saying, “hurting people hurt others”, is a true statement, even with unforgiveness and grudges.
Through the Apostle Paul, the Lord is revealing this to us in Colossians 3:12-14.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
A critical element here is in the words, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” You should know this is a two way street and not an optional statement. The Lord sets the example on forgiveness and expects us to reciprocate. What should happen if we don’t? Perhaps you are familiar with the disciple’s prayer Jesus gives us in Matthew 6:9-13?
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”
The key phrase to answer the question above is “Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who sin against us.” Here we are asking God to forgive us as we forgive others, or in the same way we forgive others. If we do not forgive others, we are actually preventing God from forgiving us.
Jesus explains this concept very clearly in the next two verses following the above prayer (Matthew 6:14 and 15).
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I can remember holding a grudge against an important person in my life: my Dad. I ended up putting the entire relationship on hold for over five or six years. When I finally forgave him, it was like a weight was lifted off my chest. I found myself wondering the same thing as I was wondering with my grill. Why did it take me so long?
Who is it you have been holding a grudge against lately? When you think of people who have hurt you in your life, whom do you think of first? Have you forgiven them?
As I stated above, hurting people hurt people. Is it possible the person you are holding a grudge against is also hurting? Could they be confused? Could there be hot and cool spots in their life?
Isn’t it time for a new perspective? I know sometimes we think we have been hurt so bad we can never forgive the person hurting us, but this is just a lie we carry around with the grudge… a little more weight for the whole deal. I also know we sometimes just get used to carrying around all this weight… just like I got used to the hot and cool spots on my grill. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?
Pray with me. “Lord, I have been hurt and I want to stop hurting. I am hurt and I want to stop hurting others. I may be having a hard time forgiving [say the name of the person or people who hurt you]. As I say the following words, I ask You to give me the strength to truly forgive them and take the forgiveness to the core of my being. Lord, I forgive them. To be sure, I am going to say it again. Lord, I forgive [say their name again]. And now, I ask You to forgive me for the pain and hurt I have caused others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Take a deep breath and exhale. Welcome to the new perspective.
Glenn Sasscer
www.glennsasscer.com
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