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"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
Don't you wish everyone had the attitude of the Bishop? Show Christ's love to everyone. No matter what. Even if they are the scum of the earth.
Having Christ's love inside us is the only way to show it to others. When we have a relationship with Him, we end up acting like Him.
Imagine a guy being caught stealing your silverware. You'd want justice served, wouldn't you? Not Jesus! He loved the unlovely, and forgave all their sins, when they acknowledged their wrong. Even on the cross, Christ forgave those who crucified Him.
The Bishop of Digne showed Valjean mercy and grace. It brought the sinner to his knees. Not only did he forgive the theft, refusing to accuse him (mercy), but he gave him the candlesticks as well (grace). Wow! What a picture!
Unconditional love. Just like the Bishop, Jesus Christ waits with open arms. We just need to come to him in repentance. He will forgive.
I love how you are intertwining the movie and Biblical truths, Jarm. Thanks for being a blessing!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Pam...I appreciate that about your posts as well!
DeleteI'm not sure if it's about forgiveness or not judging in the first place. Much easier said than done, but forgiving someone helps us to let go of the anger or hurt they may have caused.
ReplyDeleteJust my thoughts...
- Kirsten
(Just Ermie & Short Story Ideas)
Yes, you are right, Kirsten...forgiveness allows one to let go of bad feelings, which brings peace. Well worth it!
DeleteThe problem with sin is that sometimes it can seem like an overwhelming tidal wave. It takes someone like Christ to look at the whole picture and say, like this past weekend in the most compassionate and selfless way possible, "I can work with that."
ReplyDeleteYes, Tony, only Christ can give us a new beginning, and wipe our slate clean!
DeleteYou know, I never thought of this moment in this way, maybe because it's so short and I've seen the film (tv?) version with Gerard Depardieu and John Malkovich so many times.
ReplyDeleteBut now that you mention it, the Bishop's actions carry a huge message for us.
Amen, Misha...you must see the film version. It is fabulous!
DeleteI've been blessed to know many many people like this. A couple of them were my parents. A couple are my in laws. One is my husband. You can't say enough good about an attitude of charity. (And my definition of charity is the true love of Christ.)
ReplyDeleteYou ae truly blessed, Crystal! Yes, Christ's love IS true love...
DeleteI read Les Mis a long time ago, and watched the Broadway version, and listened to the sound track. It's a very powerful and stirring drama - what is liberty, what is fair, what is just and unjust? How do we act as humans in the world? In a world which is not always kind or fair. How do our actions affect others? Can we make up for our mistakes? And how can we live with the fear of our past? So many deep questions, so you have a lot of material to work with... I kind of resonate with whoever said, "My only religion is kindness" which I think the Bishop exemplifies, but like many things, it's easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Courtney, there is much room for discussion! I saw many versions of Les Mis, but the recent film is by far my favorite...
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I never really looked at the movie from this perspective.Thanks for providing food for thought.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti @Daily(w)rite
Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2013
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
You are welcome, Damyanti...thanks for taking the time to stop by!
DeleteI'm embarrassed to say I haven't seen Les Miserables - either on stage or on screen. In either case, I'm thankful for having people in my life who have given unconditional love.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.solotravelgirl.com
Amen, Jennifer! Hopefully you will have the opportunity to see this fabulous film version.
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