Where do you and I begin to find a common ground when it seems all is opposite between us? Getting into the car, opening the restaurant door, pushing the elevator button or buying coffee, who does and who doesn't. Someone tells someone to put the battery powered carts for the handicap out early in the morning and by noon the elderly man takes the one that is left. During his use he finds the seat is loose and upon arrival at the check out stand is hardened and yelling at the checker (who had no idea). When ask if he could forgive the person responsible he responded with "xxxx no!!!" Too bad.

So you and your family decide to take a little trip. You've been treading water and saving some so you can get away for a week. Getting hungry and low on gas you decide to eat at the truck stop up ahead. You and yours come up to the doors and just as you reach for the door, this overweight, hairy, foul mouthed cursing, tattooed, bearded man shoved the door into you nearly breaking your hand. And shoving you into your spouse and your spouse into the person behind, with such force that you went to your knees.

While you are recovering and helping your spouse, you look around to see this big rude man get into his rig and drive off. As you sit to eat, when you were laughing and felling good about taking a break, all you can talk about is this thing that just happened. You keep checking your hand until by the end of the meal you had calmed somewhat. Your anger was leaving, and you remember that some days have sour notes, and you say, 'this to shall pass'.

There you are driving down the road singing along with the music and all was good. Up ahead you see a dust cloud rising. As you get closer you realize that an accident has happened. You see that a truck didn't quite make the curve. And as you come to a stop you are thinking that it might just be that truck, that driver, that mean spirited hairy man from that cafe. You go to the cab laying on it's side and as you approach you see the fuel leaking. You crawl up and shout at you mate to stay back because of the fuel. You look down into the truck to see this badly shaken and nearly broken, teary eyed man, and ask him what you can do to help.

He says he too weak to get out by himself. So you give him your hand and help him lift himself out to a safe place away from the rig. In the meantime your spouse has used the cell phone to call 911, and help is on it's way. There while you are waiting this rude, hairy, tattooed, foul mouthed man begins to talk quietly so you draw closer thinking maybe he is delirious. He says, 'My wife had a heart attach this morning and I thought this  shortcut would get me there quicker. Now look, she could die before I can see her one more time.

Now the question is: Do you stay with him till the highway patrol shows up then leave?  Do you forgive this man and go on your way? What do you do? 

     The Lord Jesus said in Luke 10:30-35  ³⁰ And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. ³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, ³⁴ And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

How do you feel about forgiveness? Is it hard for you like it was for him? Does it feel like you are falling into a pit or like you are giving in to it? On the other hand I suppose if you don't ever get caught in a mistake, you will never need forgiveness. The chances of you never needing to be forgiven in your life time????? I never make a mistake myself so I know what it's like to be tempted to think I am so perfect I never have need of forgiveness, (right).

      Psalms 25:15-22 -  ¹⁵ Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. ¹⁶ Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. ¹⁷ The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. ¹⁸ Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. ¹⁹ Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. ²⁰ O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. ²¹ Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

     Matthew 18:21-22 - ²¹ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

So it would seem that the right thing to do would be to forgive the truck driver for his hurry and disregard for you at the cafe, and take him on to his destination which by the way is next to the next town you were going to, where you were going spend the night on your journey anyway. 

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Remember, the choice is yours. I pray you make the right ones. 

     Jesus said in - Matthew 4:4- It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Are you listening?