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We each have the ability to be forgiving towards those who have done
something wrong against us, but many times we choose not to forgive
because we think the offense is too great. What we must realize is that
our offense to God is much greater than anything someone has personally
done to us and if God Almighty forgives us of our great sins, then how
much more should we be quick to forgive others their offenses. We must
always remember the simple truths that come from God's Word. The Lord
Jesus declares in Matthew 6:14-15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men
their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Be
encouraged to lead your life by example and show forgiveness quickly when
it is required. Let others see the light that shines from within you that
you may glorify your Father in heaven and let others see God through your
earthen vessel. (Matthew 18:21-35) (Luke 17:3-4) (Colossians 3:13-15)
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to be forgiving no
matter what someone has done to you. Let God's word shine from your heart
as a beacon of hope letting all know that God's forgiveness is much greater
than ours can ever be.
FORGIVING QUICKLY
Whoever said it first got it right: “Life is too short for drama and petty
things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.”
What a wise and wonderful way to live – but not as easy as it seems.
Personally, I'm all for lingering kisses, raucous laughter, and true love.
I can't wait. But the idea of forgiving quickly is a tough one. It
certainly belongs on the list; it's just that it doesn't come easily. How
I enjoy my righteous indignation. Forgiving can be like drinking bitter
medicine; I have to force myself to swallow…and even that in small doses.
In his audio book “Living Faith”, U.S. President Jimmy Carter talks about
forgiving quickly. He says that without the knowledge that he can be
forgiven, it would be impossible for him to face his own shortcomings.
He relates that both he and his wife, Rosalynn, are “strong-willed” persons
who find it difficult to admit being at fault.
One day, after a particularly harsh argument, Carter decided that he would
never let another day end with each of them angry with the other. So he
went out to his wood shop and cut a thin piece of walnut, a little smaller
than a bank check. On it, he carved the words, “Each evening forever this
is good for an apology or forgiveness, as you desire.” That evening, he
gave the plaque to Rosalynn. He reports that, so far, he has been able to
honor it each time Rosalyn has presented it to him.
With his plaque, Carter made it possible for them to forgive quickly. They
created a climate where it became safe to admit mistakes and where it was
expected that those mistakes would be forgiven.
I suspect that if we can forgive quickly, we won't have much problem with
all of the kissing, laughing and loving. And we'll probably do more of it.
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 John 4:10-12 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved
us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God
so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at
any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is
perfected in us.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Colossians 3:13-15 “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if
any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do
ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which
also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus says, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye
may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His
sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and
on the unjust.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: DOES YESTERDAY BELONG TO TODAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem122.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: IT DID HAPPEN TO US
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony59.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
