Forgiven Forgives


As pastors, my husband and I are very passionate about preaching; namely preaching against sin. This doesn't always go over very well; especially when dealing with an individual about a particular sin. Let me say though, that the sins we deal with, many times are not necessarily big. They are the little character issues of the heart when dealt with that cause deep hurt, offense and the catalyst to send people out the door.

This gets very perplexing, but when my mind tries to go places it doesn't need to be, I hear the Spirit of God reminding me that people come and people go. You keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and choose to walk in love and forgiveness. Whenever, I hear these words, I say, Yes Lord. I will walk in love and forgiveness.

This is not always an easy task, this love and forgiveness business. Yet, I have found that the task is less difficult when my heart and mind are fixed on being obedient to the Lord; rather than giving in to the dictates of my flesh. You see, the bottom line is that forgiveness in not an issue of the "want to." Forgiveness is an issue of obedience.

Jesus said in Mark 11:25-26, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." This verse clearly teaches that in order to be forgiven you must forgive. Ephesians 4:32 reiterates this truth. It says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

Did you see that? Mark states that if you don't forgive you won't be forgiven. Paul teaches in Ephesians that the forgiven forgive. Let me say it to you this way. You need, we all need, God's forgiveness. When you don't forgive you forfeit God's forgiveness. Furthermore, he forgave you! You have done of some terrible things against the Lord and He forgave you. Yes, He forgave you therefore you must forgive.

Sin is so damaging and many times is the impetus to offense. This is why as believers, we must do all that we can by the grace of God not to sin. Though it is damaging and many times causes offense, the one offended must forgive. You must forgive. I must forgive. We must forgive! Forgiveness is God's kingdom way, and for one to walk in the way of the kingdom, they are obligated to forgive.

Meditate on this teaching today. Ask the Lord to give you a heart that forgives. Ask Him to teach you through offense to learn to walk in love and forgiveness. The only way that you will learn this is through offense. Therefore remember, offenses are going to come, BUT the forgiven forgive.

Love, peace and blessings,

Dr. Sheila

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