Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2,3 ESV)
Joy
I have a new skill. I am learning to play the bagpipe. I practice regularly, but not enough. Every once in a while, someone who knows I am working on this, suggests an opportunity to actually play the pipes instead of just think about it, and prepare.
I KNOW that when I begin to actually use the bagpipes, I will be filled with Joy. The ones who hear me early on, maybe not so much.
Forgiveness might be something similar. Scripture is filled with commands, examples, and hints of the grandness of forgiving. But usually we only think about it, and prepare.
We talk ourselves out of forgiving, though. We convince ourselves to forgive later. We find ourselves ‘almost persuaded,’ but not quite.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons God sends us trials. Trials do not just happen. Trials are usually caused by someone. And so most trials are an opportunity to forgive.
And when we are able to choose forgiveness instead of our usual anger, self-righteousness, and grudge-nurturing… we can discover something. Our relationship with the CAUSE of our forgiveness grows more steadfast.
And we get to have joy.
Trials are a source of Joy. They teach us God’s fidelity. They increase our faith. They mold our character.
And they are an opportunity to forgive.