“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

A dear friend told me about 40 years ago to never burn a bridge. In the years that followed, I had plenty of opportunities to follow that advice. Most of the time, I chose to take it. Solomon connects this truth with the patience that comes from wisdom. It certainly took much patience to follow that counsel. Looking back, I’ve been able to experience the fruit of that wisdom. I have seen relationships redeemed—relationships that would certainly have died and disappeared had I held on to and nurtured the wrongs done to me. It might have given me a momentary sense of satisfaction to “get even” or take revenge. But that satisfaction would have been fleeting. The long view comes from forgiveness. God continually reminds us through the Bible of the transformative power of not carrying a grudge. A wonderful mentor once shared that God’s greatest desire is for reconciliation and redemption. Since then—against every tug of my carnal heart—I’ve chosen to overlook offenses, both big and small. And it has been a powerful experience to watch God restore and protect relationships. There are times when it is wise, safe, and even God’s design to keep a distance from truly toxic or evil people. But most often, offenses come through people much like us—broken, flawed, and blind in the very areas where God is still at work. I live in gratitude for those who didn’t write me off because of the blunders on my part. Today, let’s choose to forgive—patiently and freely. #BeTheEdge

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV