Forgiveness Nuggets 1
Forgiveness is what the cross is all about. Jesus Christ died on the cross so our sins could be forgiven and we will have eternal life with Him. What an example He has set before us!
Forgiveness needs to be a very important part of our life. We need to practice it every moment of our lives. And if we don’t get it right, God will give us LOTS of more chances to practice it!
This study may be a little hard at times, but remember:
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Most of us think we ‘know’ all about forgiveness, but in fact we don’t either practice it or forgive to the depth that Christ asks us to.
At the foot of Jesus’ cross no one seemed very sorry. They hurled insults at Him. His response was:
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[
The ultimate proof of total forgiveness takes place when we sincerely petition the Father to let those who have hurt us off the hook—even if they have hurt not only us, but also those close to us.
2Cor 5:19 (NIV)
19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
The process of forgiveness must begin with a simple act of choosing to begin the journey of forgiveness. It doesn’t have anything to do with our emotions. It is a command from God to forgive one another. He doesn’t say, “If or when you feel like it, forgive” or “If they will just say they are sorry, forgive them.” So don’t wait until you feel like forgiving. Make a choice.
Eph 4:32 (NIV)
32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Col 3:13 (NIV)
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
A choice. No emotions required.
Prayer:
Father, please help me to realize the depths of what it truly means to forgive one another and to forgive ourselves. We ask Your Holy Spirit to come and teach us, to show us who we need to forgive. We ask You for Your protection from the enemy as we go through this process. Bless us Lord and teach us. Amen!
Lorilie Nelson
Choosing Forgiveness
John & Paula Sandford and Norm Bowman
Copyright © 1996
Clear Stream, Inc. Publishing
Box 122128, Arlington, Texas 76012
Total Forgiveness
R.T. Kendall
Copyright © 2002
Published by Charisma House
A Strang Company
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
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great post my dear )
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