The Key to Humble, Christlike Service
Title: the Key/secret to humble, Christlike service
Text:
Series: Spiritual Formation
Introduction:
What is the passage saying?
Why is the passage saying this?
What is the principle?
Why do we struggle with this principle?
How has Christ made this principle possible?
Conclusion:
ILLUSTRATION 145
FORGIVING SIMON
Topics: Christlikeness; Grace; Imitation of Christ; Love; Mercy; Pardon; Reconciliation; Relationships
References: Matthew 5:43–48; 6:14–15; 18:21–35; Luke 6:27–36
Mandisa Hundley, a gospel singer, was one of the twelve finalists on American Idol. When she met with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson to find out if she had made it through to the next round of the competition, however, she got a stinging comment from Simon. Eyeing Mandisa, who was heavyset, Simon asked, “Do we have a bigger stage this year?”
When she entered the room to learn the judges’ verdict, Mandisa looked right at Simon and said, “Simon, a lot of people want me to say a lot of things to you. But this is what I want to say: Yes, you hurt me, and I cried, and it was painful. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you, and that you don’t need someone to apologize to forgive somebody. And I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you. I wanted you to know that.”
Simon apologized and hugged the singer, and Mandisa discovered she had advanced to the next round.
—Based on American Idol, realitytvmagazine.com (February 15, 2006)