Unfrozen in Time
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32
I read a phrase recently that stopped me in my tracks.
“We have a tendency to freeze people in time.”
The context of the phrase was a discussion about the challenge of forgiveness and the difficulty of reconciliation. The point being that when someone fails, disappoints, or hurts us we let that memory of what they did then define who they are now.
We tend to remember the mistakes people have made and never grant them the opportunity to change. Or even think it possible.
We have a tendency to freeze people in time; to remember the mistakes people have made and never grant them the opportunity to change. Or even think it possible.
In a way, we freeze them in time. The mental portrait we have of them is their failure and what it cost us.
The thing is, Jesus never did that. While not ignoring or excusing a spiritual stumble, He was quick to offer a hand of forgiveness and word of encouragement – even if He was the one offended.
Jesus never froze people in time. While not ignoring or excusing a spiritual stumble, He was quick to offer a hand of forgiveness and word of encouragement – even if He was the one offended.
Jesus and Peter
Take, for example, how He treated Peter. Boisterous and impulsive, the Big Fisherman had multiple moments when he could have been frozen in time as a failure, if not a fool.
There was the time when, at the Transfiguration, he suggested that some tabernacles be constructed so the mountaintop experience could be extended indefinitely.
Then there was the occasion when Peter really put his foot in his mouth by “correcting” Jesus when the Lord talked about going to the cross.
Finally, there was the scene when Peter denied Jesus not once, but three times.
Each failure could have been final if not fatal. It could have frozen Peter in time as a fool, a pawn, or a traitor.
Yet we read in John 21 how, in his “beach breakfast” after the resurrection, Jesus made sure He took time to reassure Peter of his forgiveness and restoration.
The One who could have frozen Peter in time chose not to.
Jesus and Me
While we can reflect on that moment for Peter, we can also rejoice that Jesus treats us the same way.
I know I do. As I consider how often I’ve “petered out,” I’m so grateful for the fact that the Lord hasn’t frozen me in time.
But in so doing, this thought hit me: “Why, then, do I freeze others in time?” Why does my memory of them show them at their worst? Even more, why do I never dare to believe that they could ever be any different?
As one who is grateful that the Lord doesn’t freeze me in the moment of my failure to Him, I so hope that others don’t freeze me in the moment of my failure to them.
That failure was real, to be sure. But it doesn’t define me. By God’s grace, I’ve recognized my error, sought forgiveness, and committed to doing better.
Perhaps, then, I would do well to give others the same benefit of the doubt. And in light of my forgiveness and the kindness shown to me, I should extend forgiveness and kindness to them.
Prayer:
Lord, I have my share of missteps and foul-ups. Yet You don’t freeze me in time and declare me a failure. You offer forgiveness and restoration, seeing me as more than my mistakes. Help me to see others the same way. Rather than permanently viewing them for what they once were, may I see them as you do – for what they can be…unfrozen in time.
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