JESUS AND FORGIVENESS
Greetings in Jesus:
The subject of how and who we are to forgive has been a part of the Christian's conversation since the beginning of the church. Matthew 18:21-35 gives us the parable of the unforgiving debtor. It is where Peter asked "how many times should we forgive someone who sins against us?" The answer that Jesus gave was in this parable of the man who had been forgiven much, but who would not himself forgive a debtor to him. The man who had forgiven him the debt he owed then came back and threw the man in prison making him pay all that was owed him. The real verse of that story line is that "this is how God will treat each one who will not forgive their brother from his heart".
This really become a massive deal when we think of all that we hold within our hearts toward one another at various times. Some may be kept secret from anyone else and yet we may harbor resentments and ill feeling toward someone making it impossible for us to advance in our relationships with our Heavenly Father. In truth man is the one who has created a number of times we are willing to forgive someone...not God. Jesus looked forward to the time when He could be present with us; not in body, but in Spirit within the body of believers He called His church. It is the sincere agreement of two people which has much greater power than any kind of superficial agreement of thousands. God's Spirit is with them ...two or more believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit praying according to God's will can ask anything they want and it shall be done. Our forgiveness of one another allows for continued growth and unity between us, and also units us with God's Spirit. Jesus forgave under some very different circumstances. He forgave the interruption of the paralytic that was lowered from the roof as He taught Matthew 9:2-8. He forgave the woman caught in adultery John 8:3-11, the woman who anointed His feet with expensive oil Luke 7:47-50; Peter for denying Him three times John 18:15-18, 25-27; and 21:15-19. Jesus forgave the thief on the cross Luke 23:39-43, and the very people who crucified Him Luke 23:34. It becomes important for us to realize that He can and will forgive you as well if you will if you will but come to Him, admit your sin, and genuinely ask for forgiveness. Jesus not only talked frequently about forgiveness He demonstrated forgiveness as well as we can see here. I have sighted only a few examples of God's love and forgiveness...now it is your turn to act on these opportunities from God's heart to yours. Everyday we delay is another chance lost to find peace of mind and heart; we can never find what we are looking for within this world. It is my personal prayer this week that you will be drawn closer to God than you have ever been. This country has taken a step again toward correcting some of the evil that has had a death grip on us; now it is time we took a step closer to the true forgiveness of God's love. May you richly bless God through your life in Him.
THE UNWORTHY SERVANT
The subject of how and who we are to forgive has been a part of the Christian's conversation since the beginning of the church. Matthew 18:21-35 gives us the parable of the unforgiving debtor. It is where Peter asked "how many times should we forgive someone who sins against us?" The answer that Jesus gave was in this parable of the man who had been forgiven much, but who would not himself forgive a debtor to him. The man who had forgiven him the debt he owed then came back and threw the man in prison making him pay all that was owed him. The real verse of that story line is that "this is how God will treat each one who will not forgive their brother from his heart".
This really become a massive deal when we think of all that we hold within our hearts toward one another at various times. Some may be kept secret from anyone else and yet we may harbor resentments and ill feeling toward someone making it impossible for us to advance in our relationships with our Heavenly Father. In truth man is the one who has created a number of times we are willing to forgive someone...not God. Jesus looked forward to the time when He could be present with us; not in body, but in Spirit within the body of believers He called His church. It is the sincere agreement of two people which has much greater power than any kind of superficial agreement of thousands. God's Spirit is with them ...two or more believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit praying according to God's will can ask anything they want and it shall be done. Our forgiveness of one another allows for continued growth and unity between us, and also units us with God's Spirit. Jesus forgave under some very different circumstances. He forgave the interruption of the paralytic that was lowered from the roof as He taught Matthew 9:2-8. He forgave the woman caught in adultery John 8:3-11, the woman who anointed His feet with expensive oil Luke 7:47-50; Peter for denying Him three times John 18:15-18, 25-27; and 21:15-19. Jesus forgave the thief on the cross Luke 23:39-43, and the very people who crucified Him Luke 23:34. It becomes important for us to realize that He can and will forgive you as well if you will if you will but come to Him, admit your sin, and genuinely ask for forgiveness. Jesus not only talked frequently about forgiveness He demonstrated forgiveness as well as we can see here. I have sighted only a few examples of God's love and forgiveness...now it is your turn to act on these opportunities from God's heart to yours. Everyday we delay is another chance lost to find peace of mind and heart; we can never find what we are looking for within this world. It is my personal prayer this week that you will be drawn closer to God than you have ever been. This country has taken a step again toward correcting some of the evil that has had a death grip on us; now it is time we took a step closer to the true forgiveness of God's love. May you richly bless God through your life in Him.
THE UNWORTHY SERVANT
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