Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 7, 2015
Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God…” Acts 3:17-19a
Ignorant acts can hurt deeply, as they unwittingly harm others who are innocent recipients. These sins of ignorance are blind culprits. If those who have sinned in this way were aware of the suffering they caused, they would be men and women most miserable, who quietly rage within. They would rage because there are costly consequences to acts of ignorance. Ignorance is certainly no excuse and it has no power to erase its results. In most cases, ignorance exacerbates the situation. It makes it worse because there is not an understanding of the hurt that has been inflicted. Loved ones may be suffering in silence because you wounded them unknowingly.
Nonetheless, they are still wounded and the wound has festered over the years. It has gotten worse to the point that anger lashes back unexpectedly. Wounded people wound. The truth that is known in their head somehow bypasses their heart, and there is no change. There is a dearth of discernment. It becomes a chore to give and receive love. The ignorant act may have injured them as a child. Is this your story? Perhaps you never felt like you measured up to your dad’s expectations. The more you excelled, the higher he raised the bar. Your father followed the wrong example of his father. There were no parenting seminars; just do the best you can. Your mom may have smothered you with her well-meaning nurturing, but to the point of building resentment in your independent heart. The culmination of these ignorant acts has caused you to become overly sensitive and under-confident; so repent from your resentment, and let God heal your heart.
Jesus was the brunt of many ignorant acts. The mob’s hysteria was facilitated by the anger of their leaders. It was an ugly scene. Jesus suffered immensely because people acted ignorantly. This is why His parting words included forgiveness for their ignorant sin: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). They did not understand they were bruising and beating a good man. They did not realize they were bringing great hurt and suffering to the Son of God. They had not thought through the consequences of their actions. Yet Jesus forgave, and on an even greater scale, God used the sin of mankind to forgive mankind. This is the wonderful work of God’s grace. He takes mixed up motives and bizarre actions and brings us back to Jesus. This is why your wound is not the final act in your life’s drama.
He is drawing you to Jesus in humility and forgiveness. He has already died for your sin and the sins of your ignorant inflictors. You can let go and let God refresh you and them. They may never change but you can. When you accept and forgive them, you will experience and feel the acceptance and forgiveness of your heavenly Father. Write out how God loves you, and watch Him heal your wound. Your confession and repentance applies doses of healing to your heart.
The consequences of ignorant acts need not be forever, so cease the perpetual hurt and suffering. Stop beating yourself up. Today’s forgiveness brings tomorrow’s healing.
Post/Tweet this today: On the cross of Christ—God used the sin of mankind to forgive mankind. #WisdomHunters #ignorantacts
Worship Resource: 4 minute video- Gaither’s: At the Cross
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