It was like the sermon was speaking to me. God was certainly working to bring me to that church on Sunday and let me know that the topic was meant for my ears. The pastor spoke on forgiveness. And read the passages Matthew 18:21:25. Wes, the pastor, stated that we are to forgive our brothers. How many times? However many times it takes. You ALWAYS forgive. This is not optional. We each have been forgive by God for our sins. So how can we not forgive our brother if he sins against us?
That is hard for a lot of people, myself included, to hear. If your brother sins against you repeatedly it feels as though you are being walked on, taken advantage of, or just hurt over and over again. It's not a pleasant feeling and as humans it's hard not to fall into the trap of bitterness or holding grudges. But that's not right. We have been forgiven, no questions asked, by God for our sins. Who are we not to do the same for our brother? There is no limit to forgiveness, either, it is continuous. Be merciful as you have been shown mercy by God.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
-Ephesians 4:32
-Ephesians 4:32
As you read this, I hope that it sinks in as it did for me. I can almost guarantee that each one of us have not forgiven someone who has sinned against us, and why? Because what they did hurt? Because what they did was wrong? Yes, but our sins were forgiven. We were given a clean slate by God, doesn't our fellow brothers deserve the same?
I know several situations in my life where this is applicable to and it was very deep for me to witness this sermon at this particular juncture of my life. I plan to make amends within myself so that I can learn to forgive those who have sinned against me. Will you be doing the same?
Great blog Gillian!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGillian I am so proud of your spiritual growth. I love you girl :)
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