God may forgive me, but I can’t forgive myself. This statement may be another form of pride masking as false humility. God, the Judge and Arbiter in the highest courtroom, pronounces you “not guilty” by virtue of what Christ has done for you on the cross. But when you make this statement, you function as the judge and arbiter in a much lower court and overrule the higher court’s decision. This reveals contempt for God’s stature as the ultimate Judge. If you do not see your daily need of the mercy of Christ and do not experience it regularly, you will not extend it to others when they sin against you.
— Timothy Lane (b. 1961), Pfarrer, Buchautor und biblischer Seelsorger
Topics: Guilt & Forgiveness, Humility & Pride, Grace & Redemption
Occasions: For Reflection
Timothy Lane
Der US-amerikanische presbyterianische Pfarrer und Dozent Timothy Lane (* 1961) ist als Seelsorger und langjähriger Leiter der Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) tätig. Bekannt wurde er vor allem durch praxisnahe Veröffentlichungen zur biblischen Seelsorge sowie zur gnadenzentrierten Lebens- und Beziehungsgestaltung. Für Bibelleser bieten seine Schriften Ansätze, theologische Aussagen über Vergebung und Erneuerung auf zwischenmenschliche Konflikte und alltägliche Herausforderungen anzuwenden.
All quotes by Timothy Lane (7)
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller
Forgiveness means allowing the other person not to have to be God.
Henri Nouwen
Love keeps no record of wrongs, but bitterness keeps detailed accounts.
Craig Groeschel
John Newton
Tim Keller