Friday, October 12, 2018, 08:46

 Dear family of God,

Late last night I was thinking about forgiveness. How vital God's gift, His Son is to every person on this planet. My heart is enlarged this morning. Growing up in church I was told lots of Bible stories about forgiveness, from the garden to the cross. The sacrifice; the spilled blood as a theme throughout the scriptures. You might not like to be reminded about that blood, but we know from the Word that is was necessary for the redemption from sin. And, only the blood of Jesus spilt on the floor as He took those stripes on His body all the way to the cross outside the city walls, makes the sacrifice a pure one. Jesus, the perfect lamb of God.

To forgive means to pardon. This measure of forgiveness is unlimited according to Matthew 18:21-22..."Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!" So, where do draw the line? We don't.

Unlimited. Luke 17:3-4..."Pay attention and always be on your guard [looking out for one another]. If your brother sins (misses the mark), solemnly tell him so and reprove him, and if he repents (feels sorry for having sinned), forgive him. And even if he sins against you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled)."

Right now I know some of you might be thinking, "Sure, so I go back again to being a victim of abuse? Do I continue to allow so and so to hit on me?" No. This is not what Jesus would want you to do. Get to a safe place. And, yes, forgive that person so you, yourself can be free from bitterness and the chains of fear. Find a good christian counselor to help you through this time. But call on the Lord Jesus to help you with all that your heart contains.

We must remember how far we have fallen. As God forgave us...Ephesians 4:32 says, "And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you." Everyone of us has sinned and need the forgiveness of Jesus so we can forgive others.

There are benefits! Mark 11:25-26..."And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings." The benefit is found in releasing that person from their failings. This is an on-going thing we must do.

2 Corinthians 7-10 Paul admonishes us, "So [instead of further rebuke, now] you should rather turn and [graciously] forgive and comfort and encourage [him], to keep him from being overwhelmed by exessive sorrow and despair. I therefore beg you to reinstate him in your affections and assure him of your love for him; for this was my porpose in writing you, to test your attitude and see if you would stand the test, whether you are obedient and altogether agreeable [to following my orders] in everything. If you forgive anyone anything, I too forgive that one; and what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the presence [and with the approval] of Christ (the Messiah)." Restored in christian fellowship!

Here is another benefit. James 5:15-16..."And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. the earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]." Spiritual cleansing!

Wow! I am so glad I spent the time searching the Word for truth! Here I have a greater understanding. I know it will be tested, probably in this very day. But, Holy Spirit will remind me and then I can obey and stand firm. As the Father has chosen us and adopted us, we can forgive as we are forgiven! Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today. WE come to Him broken, bruised and sometimes covered in our own filth. He is the One to restore and make clean and new again. Only Jesus Christ.

If the Lord wills, then we can come together again tomorrow and see where He leads. God bless you and give you a heart free from sin today. In His lovely name, amen.

Abundance is...I can forgive them


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