Revelation for Servants
To show his servants what must soon take place.
Revelation 1:1 (NIV)
The Bible's last book opens with an affectionate claim: the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. God hides the future from no servant — he reveals it. Before any seal, trumpet, or bowl comes the intent: showing, making known, giving to John for the church. Revelation is no puzzle for the curious; it is a hope letter for pressured servants.
Forgiveness feeds on this revelation. Whoever knows how the story ends — Christ victorious, tears wiped, all things new — can forgive the current chapter. Today's offenses shrink before God's “soon”: betrayals, slanders, and losses get no final word, for the final word stands already revealed. Forgiving means living the future in the present, treating people today in light of God's tomorrow.
Read your conflict through revelation's lenses today: how large will this wound look before the throne? Forgive in light of the end — release, bless, move on. Revelation for servants: God told the ending so you could cross the middle with hope and forgiveness. The revealed ending shrinks every present offense. Read each conflict through eternity's lens today and forgive accordingly.