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The Myth of The Unforgiving Disciple
Brian Mashburn
April 2, 2006
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On Being An Unforgiving Disciple
Disciple: I love all people, Lord, and forgive all things...except this one person, this one thing.
Master: I have a solution for you, child. Come, take up your cross, and follow me.
Disciple: But this person hates me. What do I do about that?
Master: Simple. Do good to them. Disregard their hate.
Disciple: But they spend their time cursing me with their lips.
Master: Ah. Then you will need to bless them as well.
Disciple: Are you understanding, Master? They mistreat me.
Master: "Yes, student, perfectly. Repay them with prayer."
Disciple: Lord, you make no sense! This person struck me! Shall I spinelessly let them?
Master: No. Spinelessness would not serve you. You must muster strength. Strength that makes no earthly sense, and has no earthly source. With it, turn your other cheek and offer it.
Disciple: What? They took my cloak! Am I to go without?
Master: No, you are not. Give them also your tunic. This will make room for you to clothe yourself with my personal promise: I will never leave you without. Do you believe me?
Disciple: They ask too much! What am I to do?
Master: Give to them. As you give, it will be given to you. The measure you use, I promise to use with you.
Disciple: "Lord, do I not get credit for all of these that I love? May I not operate out of reason for just this one? I can not give this up."
Master: If you desire that God operate out of reason with you, then operate out of reason. Otherwise, do to others as you would have them do to you. Unless you give up all that you have, you can not be my disciple."