A Christian's obedience to the Lord is seen in their attitude toward their neighbor, following God's guidance to be kind to one another—to be of good character. God's Word instructs us to pay attention to the little things, citing the little foxes that spoil the vineyard: Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes. (Song of Solomon 2.15). Just when it is blossoming, they appear!

Brothers and sisters who are polite to others are appreciated, but those who do not care about good social interaction set a bad example. In fact, this can happen to anyone. If we do not teach them to serve God, they will make the worst decisions and act contrary to the standard required by the Most High. So why not be kind?

Just as the eternal Father was merciful to us, calling us to be part of His family and forgiving our faults, we must do the same with those who are negligent in their actions in the church. Not everyone ceases to be merciful because they act in the flesh, but because they have not learned what God's mercy means to us. We teach people more about Jesus when they see His work in our lives!

The Master told the parable of the unforgiving creditor, saying that a servant owed his master a sum of money and, having no way to pay it back, begged him for mercy. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’  (Matthew 18.26). The man then released the servant and forgave him the debt.

However, that servant was evil and did not know what awaited him. Upon leaving prison, he encountered a servant who owed him a small amount of money, and, grabbing him violently, demanded payment. On his knees, the fellow servant begged him to wait because he would pay him: So, his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ (Matthew 18.29), but the evil heart did not want to wait. God sees everything!

If Jesus forgave us a much greater debt, why wouldn't we forgive those who have wronged us much less? Those who do not forgive will not be forgiven: And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11.25). Christ taught that we will be measured by the same standard we use with others. What standard do you use with your neighbor?

We can never hinder the work of the Holy Spirit by telling everyone that they are forgiven, for we must wait for them to repent (Luke 17:3). But in prayer to the Lord, we must tell Him that we will forgive: But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11.26).

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares