For if you forgive people of their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.     Matthew 6:14-15 HCSB

We use the term, “Excuse You” as a sarcastic response to some else’s rude behavior. Today, I used this as a title because I recall a time when I did wrong but pointed the finger of blame at others. There was a time in my life when I was short on patience, short on forgiveness, but had plenty of hardness in my heart.  I was long on rudeness for those who dared to get on my bad side.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t acknowledge my own sin but was quick to point out when someone else was doing wrong. I was quick to become agitated with others. I could easily justify and forgive my own wrongdoing. I just wasn’t so quick to forgive others. I had no patience for others and little desire to try to even understand what they may be going through.

I’ve noticed more and more we are seeing 2 Timothy 3:1-6 being lived out before our very eyes. We are seeing people become more self-centered. They love themselves more. They love money. They are boastful, proud, without self-control, without love for what is good. They love pleasure more than they love God. And sadly, many hold to a form of godliness or claim to be Christians but deny God’s power. If they truly understood God’s power they wouldn’t act or treat others the way they do.

So, I ask you today, are you quick to excuse or forgive yourself when you do wrong? Are you quick to justify your actions when you sin? Are you quick to forgive others when they sin against you? Do you excuse behavior from someone else that may be less than desirable? Or do you judge and hold it against them?

In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. He said that second greatest was to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Why did Jesus tell us we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves? Because Jesus knows our hearts. He knows we take pretty good care of ourselves. He wants us to be just as good to those around us as we are to ourselves.

And of course, we all know the Golden Rule which is found in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. In these two verses, Jesus said, “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them-this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Our pastor often uses the acronym JOY, Jesus first, others second and yourself last. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interest but also for the interests of others.” Are you doing that or are you putting yourself first?

If you take the time to read 2 Timothy 3:1-6, you will see that it begins with saying difficult times will come in the last days and it goes on to give a whole host of unacceptable behaviors. I only pointed out a few earlier. I believe the behavior we see exhibited in people today is confirmation that we are definitely living in the last days.

We are told to avoid those people. My friend if you are one of those people, make some changes before it’s too late. Humble yourself before God put Him first and others second. Forgive anyone who has sinned against you. Jesus made it pretty clear in our Scripture passage that this is the only way God will forgive us of our sin.

We all sin (Romans 3:23). We all need a Savior. Surrender your life to Jesus today. If you are having trouble forgiving someone, God will help you with that if you only ask. Trust in Him today.

Have a great day!