The last time Paul had been in Jerusalem, he had participated in the execution of the first Christian martyr: Stephen. He had not been back since. Understandably. Cephas (Peter) and the other apostles had known Stephen. They had known Paul’s role in Stephen’s death. Paul had to face them. Two of them, Cephas and James were still in Jerusalem. The others were not. Paul needed forgiveness from Peter and he needed it from those no longer there. Which is harder: asking forgiveness in person or never being able to ask because you missed the chance? Paul experienced both. Paul asked Peter's forgiveness. Paul missed the chance to ask forgiveness of many others-the departed, the imprisoned, the exiled.
Sometimes in life we get to ask the forgiveness of those we have hurt and that is hard, very hard. Other times when we need forgiveness, the people from whom we need it are gone. This is even harder than asking forgiveness. Asking forgiveness brings closure. When asking is no longer possible, closure is harder. The wound is slower to close.
The relationship between Paul and Peter was healed through forgiveness. Peter later calls Paul “our beloved brother” (2 Peter 3:15). Still, Paul never got ask forgiveness of those who were gone. He missed the chance. Don't do likewise. Always ask forgiveness immediately-while there is still time. Give forgiveness likewise: now-while there is still time. Whose forgiveness do you need to ask? Ask while you can. Who needs your forgiveness? Give it while you still can and give it freely. You must trust God regarding the giving or receiving of forgiveness from the people no longer here. That is in God's hands. They are in God's hands. You are, too. We all are.
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Peace,
Charles M. Long
...and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13b)
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