Forgiveness, What Joy!
What compels people to forgive one another? It is an amazing thing to forgive. No matter what has happened, no matter the wrong, forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts and blessings if not THE greatest that one can give to another or receive from one another.
Forgiveness frees everyone. The recipient of it is freed from the guilt of the wrong that she has committed. The giver of forgiveness is free from any hard feelings, ill will, of grudge that might accompany an offensive action. Being set free is awesome!
God, our Father is the ultimate example(as He is the ultimate example of all good things) of true forgiveness. He gave the most precious gift of all as a sacrifice so that we could be the recipients of His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Romans 4:7-8 says, "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord." What joy! What an understatement! How can the English language express the forgiveness of God and the total elation that it brings into our life?
Just think, every time we choose to forgive, we catch a glimpse into what God must feel a "bazillion" times over and over again. The joy and freedom of forgiveness is sensed by the Father! It is His nature and man am I glad of that. He can't help Himself, He just forgives. How dare we not accept it! How dare we think for a moment that it is based on my jumping through some hoop to gain it by my own power, might, or smarts!
God is gracious! Accept it! Love it! Receive it and give it away to others and allow them to experience the freedom of living in Him!
Forgiveness frees everyone. The recipient of it is freed from the guilt of the wrong that she has committed. The giver of forgiveness is free from any hard feelings, ill will, of grudge that might accompany an offensive action. Being set free is awesome!
God, our Father is the ultimate example(as He is the ultimate example of all good things) of true forgiveness. He gave the most precious gift of all as a sacrifice so that we could be the recipients of His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Romans 4:7-8 says, "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord." What joy! What an understatement! How can the English language express the forgiveness of God and the total elation that it brings into our life?
Just think, every time we choose to forgive, we catch a glimpse into what God must feel a "bazillion" times over and over again. The joy and freedom of forgiveness is sensed by the Father! It is His nature and man am I glad of that. He can't help Himself, He just forgives. How dare we not accept it! How dare we think for a moment that it is based on my jumping through some hoop to gain it by my own power, might, or smarts!
God is gracious! Accept it! Love it! Receive it and give it away to others and allow them to experience the freedom of living in Him!
posted by Keith Davis at
11:10 PM
6 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By
cwinwc, at 7:39 AM
Keith, I needed to hear that today. Perhaps I'll have courage to act on your message later tonight.
May God continue to bless you and the good folks at Creekside.
By
cwinwc, at 7:40 AM
I have many flaws and I spend a good deal of time reflecting on them. I've decided lately to give myself a few more pats on the back though and recognize some things I'm good at. For the most part, I'm good at forgiving.
More than a decade ago, my first wife left me for somebody else. It took time, but I was still the first person in my family, one of the first in HER family, and one of the first in the church to forgive her. Some of my family were among the LAST to forgive her, and it actually just happened this year. I always felt that the example of forgiveness I could give others was far more important than whatever satisfaction could be derived from holding on to my superiority and self-righteousness.
I did it through the use of a lot of prayer and the attempt to understand. After a few years, I found myself praying that she would find the right person for her and for her son. God answered those prayers a few years ago. And just two weeks ago the man she found was baptized into our Lord.
Forgiveness spawns good things. The lack of forgiveness can only bring grief.
By
Thurman8er, at 10:07 AM
Is it just me, or did that last sentence sound very Yoda-like?
Sorry, I am. More gpifz I will try to be.
By
Thurman8er, at 10:09 AM
Steve -
Mr. Meogi say, "Best way to block punch Steve-son, don't be there."
Of course, it helps to yell pljrbmo when blocking punch.
By
cwinwc, at 11:04 AM
There is no more potent a poison than a grudge. Thanks for the good thoughts.
By
Thurman8er, at 2:25 PM
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