I had a falling out with a close friend years ago. Later, I found out her husband had passed away. A mutual friend asked if I would be interested in going with her to pay our respects. I said, “Yes, of course. I remember how kind the husband was to me. I am going there for him, not her.” My friend rebuked me and warned me not to say that to the bereaved. I was taken aback. I would like to think I am that mature and tactful but my friend said, “Because you keep saying how you’re only there for the husband. That is not right.” And then I understood. It is humbling to be rebuked, doubly so when it is from a non-believer. Shame on me. This incident came back to me as Luzon is holding its breath for a possible volcanic eruption.

When a series of devastating earthquakes occurred with regularity in Mindanao last year, some posted how it is God’s judgment on the region particularly Davao, the president’s hometown. Naturally, people especially from the areas affected were greatly hurt and offended. A few months and a new year later, Taal looms large over CALABARZON and Metro Manila and I come across posts from Mindanao offering prayers for Luzon. It would have been magnanimous had they not prefixed their gesture with a thinly veiled, “Remember the time when you…?” This comes off as spiritual smirking. Like my behavior, sincerity is questionable. When Jesus commanded us to turn the other cheek (Mt. 5:39), our tongue is not supposed to be in it. He didn’t say to make mention of the offense while we turn; He simply said to turn it.

Proverbs 25:21-22 say, “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” It doesn’t say, “Before you give him bread, remind him of…” There is no reward to be expected from the Lord except that fleeting sense of sweet satisfaction of getting even. That is all there is for us. Yes, the coals may burn on his head but they might also ignite the anger which might continue to seethe until the next time it is his turn to “help.”

It is human nature to remember the offense especially a hurt that cut deeply but as followers of Christ, we are partakers of the divine nature that should exhibit God’s characteristics (2 Pet. 1:4). False humility is not one of them. When God forgives us, He does not remind us of the many times we have failed Him. He just forgives us again and again and again so let us all wipe that spiritual smirk off our face.