If you play golf, you know how important it is to hit the ball at just the right spot on the club face. The newest clubs, however, are more forgiving. The metal-head woods, the featherweight clubs, and the hollowback irons have expanded what is often referred to as the “sweet spot” on the club. Now it is possible to hit the ball on the heel or the toe of the club and still get good distance.

The idea of a golf club that has a large and forgiving “sweet spot” reminds me of how Christians should respond to one another. Instead of being like the old, unforgiving club that required near-perfect performance, we should be like the new clubs that are generous with the faults of the golfer. We should have a large “sweet spot” that provides plenty of room to forgive any repentant brother or sister in Christ (Lk. 17:4).

That’s the pattern the Lord Jesus set for us. In fact, He came to earth to die for our sins and to show us, by what He said and did, what forgiveness really means. During His life, and even on the cross, He forgave all who called to Him in faith. We should follow His example. Who should be more forgiving than those of us who have needed and experienced so much forgiveness ourselves?