God Wants You On His Level And This Is How To Get There

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mountain peaks (original photo by Lubo Minar on Unsplash)

There’s a proverb I have heard so many times that really never gets old. It always feels relevant when it is brought up and quite frankly, helps me understand humanity in some ways. It’s this: to err is human [and] to forgive is divine. Have you heard this or read it somewhere else before? Have you asked yourself why it is so popular? I have. Unfortunately, I don’t have a definite answer as to why it is so popular, but I have some ideas that may pass scrutiny.

to err is human [and] to forgive is divine.

Obviously, the first go-to reason is the expression of the frailty of humanity. This proverb easily throws light on how fragile humanity is. Humanity has been associated with toughness, going above and beyond the earth into space. Our resolve can be hard to break and our stubbornness and relentless drive to survive no matter the odds against us is a definite hallmark. We are capable of great things, some of which have been the focus of history lessons in many curricula.

That notwithstanding, behind that facade of strength and willpower is a softness, a tenderness that understands the language of love. A side that is vulnerable, and easily succumbs to temptation. I strongly believe it is this paradox of humanity that is explored in the proverb and I’m very convinced many will concur. However, I am not sure it’s the only aspect of humanity that is laid bare here.

I think deep down in all of us, we feel seriously flawed in one way or the other. Like a defective product, we don’t know if we were born that way or it was something that was just deposited and grew as we grew up. If you’re being honest, you’ve probably realized this and noticed that no matter what you do, it doesn’t seem to go away. This flaw seems to draw certain mistakes out of you and it feels like a pile of unpaid debt keeps accumulating. One that you don’t know exactly how to pay, but believe can be paid nonetheless. Paid by someone who is divine and beyond the flaws of humanity—someone who doesn’t need a mask to coverup like we do.

Normally, when we look at each other closely, we recognize this flaw as the broken human nature and it can be so conspicuous sometimes. While this may give us an uneasy sense of comfort, it’s always only temporary. Like an itch we can’t scratch, we seem to be in need of someone to deal with it for us. Interestingly, for some reason, we all agree our help in this matter has to be divine. Really, what other than divinity can transcend humanity and give us peace? Who can cancel our huge heap of debt—forgive us—and give us a fresh start?

group of people climbing a mountain (original photo by Mathias Jensen on Unsplash)

You see, forgiveness is a powerful virtue that has always been attributed to the power that is beyond humanity itself—the power of God. Fortunately, God is the one calling us today, offering 100% forgiveness as a benefit. But there is more to be had, though not on our level—we need to go to his!

I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow

Isaiah 1:18 (ERV)

You see, humanity and its sins are like a heap of debt that has to be paid somehow. Clearly, it’s so huge we can’t take care of it. So, God did that for us through Jesus Christ. It didn’t end there because his goal was for us to climb to his level. He wants to interact and have an eternal relationship that will make us and the earth better. Furthermore, he shows us the way in the verse below.

It’s really straight-forward after you accept his forgiveness by Jesus Christ. You’ll have to move on to transforming your mind and redeveloping your perspectives and ideas about life. God always offers truth—the realities that really matter. The more we look into this truth, the closer we get to understanding the original purposes and intent of everything created.

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Romans 12:2 (AMP)

Eventually, you’ll realize that your perspectives are steady and real. You’ll be able to hear God clearly when he speaks to your heart and his love will flow through you to everybody around you. You’ll no more be the person you used to be because you’ll be on God’s mountain reasoning with him—on his level.

The final thing I want to comment on is what happens once you’re on top of the mountain. While you’re mingled with divinity, you should be able to look at your fellow human being who may be your countryman, friend, colleague or mate and say “to err is human, to forgive divine”. You should be able to extend that same forgiveness you received when you felt broken and in disrepair. Not just because you may have developed the capacity, but because you know how it feels to be in such a state and can empathize with human frailty.

Be kind and helpful to one another,
tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding],
forgiving one another [readily and freely],
just as God in Christ also forgave you

Ephesians 4:32 (AMP)

So, this is the summary. First, understand your own frailty. Second, seek God and his forgiveness. Don’t run away from him. Let him lead you up his mountain and to his level. Finally, extend that forgiveness and be the signpost that rescues others.

As always, I trust these words will help you find some peace and go on to enjoy life to its fullest!