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- Apr 25, 2006
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Forgiveness is freeing (1) - Living in the past?
'Make allowance for each other's faults' Colossians 3:13
How annoying (or embarrassing?) would it be if you were only known by the stuff from your past? Everyone calls you a thief, 'cos of that time you took something that wasn't yours. You're a bully because you hit someone when you were seven. You're a liar 'cos you once told your teacher you hadn't done your homework 'cos your gran was ill. How unfair would that be? You've changed since then. Everyone knows that. Everyone changes, don't they? So, try to remember that next time someone else hurts you.
God can change anyone! You're not doing anyone any favours by holding a grudge or bad-mouthing them. Here's the thing - you don't get to choose who you forgive. Love is a command; forgiveness is an act of obedience. 1 John 4:21 says 'whoever loves God must also love his brother' (NIV). To love someone, you must forgive them. Tough stuff, hey?
God sets the bar high 'cos grudges and unforgiveness are like a virus that eats you up from the inside. Forgiveness is the miracle cure. God knows it's hard when someone really hurts you, but check out Romans 6:14. You've got His Spirit living in you, and He'll give you the grace to forgive if you ask for it. Remember - people change over time. Try to see everyone through God's eyes. Most folks are doing their best with what they know now - so give 'em a break! God's not finished with them yet - just like He's not finished with you!
written by Bob Gass
'Make allowance for each other's faults' Colossians 3:13
How annoying (or embarrassing?) would it be if you were only known by the stuff from your past? Everyone calls you a thief, 'cos of that time you took something that wasn't yours. You're a bully because you hit someone when you were seven. You're a liar 'cos you once told your teacher you hadn't done your homework 'cos your gran was ill. How unfair would that be? You've changed since then. Everyone knows that. Everyone changes, don't they? So, try to remember that next time someone else hurts you.
God can change anyone! You're not doing anyone any favours by holding a grudge or bad-mouthing them. Here's the thing - you don't get to choose who you forgive. Love is a command; forgiveness is an act of obedience. 1 John 4:21 says 'whoever loves God must also love his brother' (NIV). To love someone, you must forgive them. Tough stuff, hey?
God sets the bar high 'cos grudges and unforgiveness are like a virus that eats you up from the inside. Forgiveness is the miracle cure. God knows it's hard when someone really hurts you, but check out Romans 6:14. You've got His Spirit living in you, and He'll give you the grace to forgive if you ask for it. Remember - people change over time. Try to see everyone through God's eyes. Most folks are doing their best with what they know now - so give 'em a break! God's not finished with them yet - just like He's not finished with you!
written by Bob Gass
