The Sharing Series: Magnanimous

May 25, 2014 at 9:38 am

I've started reading this book, which in its very first chapter the word "magnanimous" occurred twice:

1) But in His usual magnanimous manner He took the second step in attempting to restore this relationship which is repeatedly breached by men who turn their backs upon Him.
2) He was magnificent in His magnanimous spirit of forgiveness for fallen folk but a terror to those who indulged in double talk or false pretenses.

The word may sound a little too big for many people, and most of us would just take that word at face value. But little did we know, that word speaks volumes: magnanimous is defined as "noble in mind; high-souled; especially generous in overlooking injury or insult; rising above pettiness or meanness" (Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th ed.)

Truly, how noble is He who is eternally faithful, to look beyond our fault and strive to reconcile; how generous is He who is so merciful and forgiving, to even overlook the injury and insult unto Him, and uttered "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" to those who have wronged Him.

Behold, this is the Lord that is magnus (great) in animus (spirit). No wonder Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord", not that He can be greater than He is, but that such greatness that can only be exuded by Him is properly ascribed, declared, and extolled.
_____________________________________________________
Additional Note: The book mentioned was "A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller.