Forgiven

[Chad]

Forgiven - February 16, 2006

Today's newspaper includes the obituary of a woman who caused more than a little stress and anxiety in my life. Years ago, she was a pillar in the church we attended. Her efforts to control things, including my youthful zeal, left me angry and disappointed. Too immature to deal with it, we left that church and found fellowship elsewhere.

The thought of her rarely crossed my mind until a few years back when I became friends with her ex-daughter-in-law. Something in me enjoyed rehashing the ancient heartache of how she mistreated me. In return, I savored the juicy bits my friend shared with me. I wasn't surprised; I had seen the negative side of her as well. It felt good both to complain and listen to complaints about her from another.

Today's obituary lists only of her life and dedication to the church. What about the troubles she caused? Resentment swirled in my mind. Doesn't anyone know the truth about her? Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a beautiful truth. All is forgiven. Her sins, like mine, are under His Blood. As she stands before the throne, God will not quiz her about how she treated me or why she was unfair to her daughter-in-law. Instead, He will write "forgiven" beside her name and welcome her into the kingdom.

It's been said that a person can't be "a little bit pregnant". You get the idea. Either we're forgiven and free to enter heaven or we aren't. I know that this woman, despite her faults, trusted in Jesus' salvation. I'll see her again someday. I know our fellowship will be sweet.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24 NIV

Contributed by Candace Simar

 

[Jesuslovesu]

Ya we all love grace when its for us....we have a harder time when its for someone else...

Great thread Chad

 

[Mike]

I agree Bobbie . Mike :embarasse

 

[MontanaCowboy]

Feeling that way at times about my wife as she goes through her sinfulness now. But Satan wants us to judge people because he knows that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us by our Father. Its just another way he entraps us in our own sin while we complain about the sin of others.
Glad you came to terms & have forgiven her & look forward to that sweet fellowship you will enjoy with her when you are both clean as Christ

 

[Trishann]

Chad I am glad the Holy Spirit talked with you because I know that brings comfort to you too.

God Bless, Trish

 

[Coconut]

Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a beautiful truth. All is forgiven. Her sins, like mine, are under His Blood. As she stands before the throne, God will not quiz her about how she treated me or why she was unfair to her daughter-in-law. Instead, He will write "forgiven" beside her name and welcome her into the kingdom.

While the premise of this story is true, (by Gods grace we are all saved) I think it impresses the readers with an idea that is not entirely scriptural. The scripture never teaches that 'all is forgiven' for the one who does not repent.

Mat 12:35 A good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and an evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure.
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give an account for every thoughtless word they utter.
Mat 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Rom 14:11 For it is written, "As certainly as I live, declares the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will praise God."
Rom 14:12 Consequently, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

Heb 13:17 Continue to obey your leaders and to be submissive to them, for they watch over your souls as men who will have to give a word of explanation. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be harmful to you.