I often ask the wrathful "if the Apostles forgave Paul, what's your excuse?" Paul's story is so notorious, most people know who he is before they read the Bible. We teach it in Sunday School, we explain it to new converts, I'm fairly certain I was even taught it in my secular high school. I certainly knew who Paul was before I read the Bible for the first time.
And yet, although even the least educated Christians know who Paul is, even the most educated Christians fail to acknowledge him when it comes to our treatment of our enemies, and even our friends. This is tragic, because according to his own words, he received mercy for the very purpose of showing us just how patient Christ is, and by extension, how patient we should be.
So, that jerk who called you a Creatard when you challenged his view about Evolution. How should you treat him? That lady who spat on you when you stood outside an abortion clinic providing free information about pro-life charities. Is she worth so much as a raised middle finger? My brethren, if you have been physically wounded, if you have come within inches of your very life on account of an unbeliever, you have no excuse for cursing them, because we do not have a vengeful faith. Vengeance belongs entirely to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30).
As for you? The Bible has plenty to say. Paul received mercy so that in him, the worst of sinners, we have an example (1 Timothy 1:12-16). And when Jesus was put on trial? When people spat on Him, insulted Him, what did He do? Nothing. He did not retaliate, He entrusted Himself to God. And we are told to imitate that (1 Peter 2:21-25). There are two possibilities here. You will either convert them, or put them to shame (1 Peter 3:13-17). You should desire the former, for there is more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over many people who need not repent (Luke 15:7).
In the case of the latter? That's entirely on them (Ezekiel 33:1-9). And what do you lose? If you suffer in this life, I can assure you it won't matter a bit to you in the next. Through Paul, God makes us that promise, reminding us that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:16-18). How do you imagine you will feel about that $5 your friend owes you in 20 billion years? Will that scar your enemy gave you still hurt in 5 million years? When you have merely tasted the fruit from the tree of life, will that political dispute still haunt you? John tells us that God will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4), and so I feel confident in telling you that you will not spend even one second in Heaven concerned about the bitterness of the Earth. The time to forgive is now, just as the time to be forgiven is now.
Whoever your dispute is with, be it a friend or an enemy, forgiveness is not a choice. Jesus went to the cross for Paul, the chief of sinners. Our debt to Him is far greater than any debt a man can owe another. With literal tears in my eyes, I beg you, my brethren, forgive. It may not always be received, but there are greater wounds to you if you are not willing to deliver. Life is too short, and eternity is too long to hold even the most reasonable grudge. As Christ forgave you, so also must you forgive others (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).