God is lots more forgiving than I ever was. When I had lost the 80+ pounds, people seemed to be much nicer to me. People in my church, my children's school, and what I call "Hi-Bye" friends, were suddenly much more attentive. They tried to include me in conversations more. They listened to my ideas instead of shunning me because I was overweight.
At first, there was a split second, where I was elated with all the new found attention. It didn't last long, though, because it quickly turned into resentment. I resented all those people who suddenly treated me like I was worthwhile, because I was worthwhile all along! I figured that if they didn't want to be my friend when I was fat, then they didn't deserve to be my friend when I was thin!
There is some logic in my approach, but I'm so glad it's not the approach that God has with me. Jesus doesn't say, "Debbie wasn't being a good Christian last week when she was impatient with her husband, so she doesn't deserve to be My follower, now!" Fortunately for me, God is all-forgiving. He loves me no matter what I do. I am much more able to forgive others when I'm living my life by the instincts God gives me: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Hebrews 10: 16.
Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. If Jesus says this after all the sinful things I've done and the many times I've ignored His requests to share my faith with others, then I have to be much better at forgiving those who suddenly treated me like I was worthwhile.
Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my overeating, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verse.
