Recently, I read a devotional from the well-known C.S. Lewis on the beautiful topic of forgiveness. In this writing, C.S. Lewis wrestled with the complexities of forgiveness.

He wrote this soon after the end of World War II and gave his sympathies to those Jews who believed they must forgive the Gestapo which made their life a literal Hell. He knew this task would feel next to impossible and admitted that forgiveness often is not instantaneous.

He said forgiveness is best done when you are not attempting Spiritual calculus. Forgiveness is like math. It is best to start with simple addition and work up. Practice forgiveness for those things you are spiritually mature enough to handle and then grow from there.

Mercy and grace are a beautiful mixture of emotions and attributes. In a recent sermon, I described these as a Gospel propellant. Emotions are beautiful things that propel the Gospel in good times and bad. Emotions can be a Godly tool.

One example of someone who utilized Gospel propellant to send the Gospel payload to the hearts of believers and unbelievers alike. Paul sorrowed so other people could have joy. Paul wrote these letters in “affliction and anguish of heart” (2 Corinthians 2:4). He struggled so others could know the love behind his anguish.

Too often, we discredit emotions. We find forgiveness to be impossible and the Gestapos of our lives to be too much to forgive.

Here is the truth of the matter. The Bible’s truth will never be dictated by our feelings/emotions. However, with the help of feelings/emotions/passion, the Bible’s truth can be spread. Ministry without passion may not only be ineffective but also draining.

Utilize the love, first given by Christ, to propel the Gospel forward in your individual life! The Holy Spirit will be your ignitor (Romans 5:5).