Proverbs 19:11. Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Overlooking offenses might be the hardest thing we are asked to do as Christians. Why? Because we are glory seekers and when I am offended I must defend my glory.
But what does God say we should do when offended? Overlook it. Wow.
This does not of course mean that we never get angry. But, like we learned on Sunday morning, we must ask ourselves: why are we angry? What is the love that is driving the anger? Is it love of self? Love of reputation? Love of my own comfort? Love of my own ego?
Our fighter verse exhorts us to be slow to anger. The Bible does not advocate no anger. It advocates slow anger. This is good sense. Or good direction.
But not only is it good sense. It is glory. It is to your glory to overlook an offense. When we are short fused or hot headed or quick to anger it is usually us trying to salvage our own glory. But the scripture says the opposite. It is glorious to be patient. To be slow to anger. To forgive. To overlook. To not keep a record of wrongs. To give second, third and hundredth chances. To forgive 70 x 7 times.
How is this more glorious? Because it images God.
God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Paradoxically, God can overlook offenses because he did not overlook offenses. Because he dealt with all offenses on the cross, he can now overlook or forgive an offense.
What about us? Can we do the same? Will you do the same? How does the forgiveness of the cross empower you to be slow to anger and overlook an offense? Is God’s cross enough for you, or will you take matters into your own hands?
