A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11). Fools show their annoyance at once. (Prov. 12:16).
Lord Jesus, it’s a good thing there’s no condemnation left for our sins, for I’m not sure when I’ve been as easily annoyed. I’m grateful that, as our Savior and righteousness, you are so forbearing, forgiving, and patient with us.
This side of glorification, I don’t really expect to be annoyance-free. But the Gospel is certainly powerful enough for me to be bugged less, less easily offended, and overlook more—much more.
Mask-wearing and data-skewing, old wounds and new disappointments, unintentional slights and intentional jabs—none of these deserve power over our hearts. They are real, but none of them are ultimate. They hurt, but none of them have the right to rob us of the joy of being known and loved by you. It’s just bad crickets making big noise.
Forgive us when we take hurts to heart; but stop there, and don’t take them to your throne of grace. Forgive us for keeping impeccable records of hurtful things done to us, while forgetting what you’ve done for us. People really do have eye-specks; and we really do have eye-logs; and you really are enough for both.
Heal our Gospel-amnesia, and forgive our purposeful withholding of grace. Thank you for being such a wonderful, merciful Savior, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and kind name.