Wiser and Happier: Special Military Edition from Time of GraceSample

Personal Integrity: Be patient

For a society that claims to reject organized crime, we Americans sure like gangster movies and television, don’t we? From Al Capone to Tony Soprano, we lap up the stories of revenge, violence, and naked power.

What is it about those stories that we find so attractive? Well, for one thing we all groan at the many injustices that the small and weak and unconnected must suffer. The judicial system often seems to work too slowly and inefficiently, and too many criminals get away with their crimes. It would go so much faster if we just took matters into our own hands (or so we fantasize).
matter what happens to you while you are deployed, it goes without saying that you cannot and will not take matters into your own hands. The few that have done so have brought disgrace and unwanted publicity to their country, their branch of service, and the entire war effort. But let’s admit this much: at some time in the near future, you may very well wish to high heaven that you had the right to be judge, jury, and executioner rolled into one. It would seem to make things so much easier if you could.

It takes no brains to seek revenge. It takes strength and character to forgive another. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).

Need help to think like this? Reflect on how God has forgiven you. The greatness of God is shown in his creative and sustaining power, but it shines even more brightly in the way in which his love triumphed over condemnation. You can choose to forgive, as the Lord has chosen to forgive you. Which sinful fool in your life needs some mercy from you? Give it today.