May 17, 2008

• FORGIVE AS HE FORGAVE YOU

  "Get rid of all bitterness.. .Be kind and compassionate to one another,
  forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians
  4:31,32
  
  How often do we blame others for our troubles? Do we think God is
  unjust for the way he treats us or allows things to happen to us? The
  first man, Adam, blamed Eve. And Eve blamed the serpent. So it has
  been with their descendants ever since.
  
  We see it plainly in young children. In "mature" adults too. People
  do mistreat each other. Even the best parents sometimes harm their
  children. Because of our inherent sinful natures we hurt one another,
  intentionally or not.
  
  Some of us tend to think we're defective in some way and that we're
  the ones at fault for our circumstances, perhaps for our illness or
  disability. In fact, sometimes we don't treat our bodies as we should.
  
  How can we deal with this finger-pointing and guilt? Well, first we
  must recognize it. Then, especially if deep suffering is involved, I
  think we must go through a period of grieving. At some time confession
  to God and a willingness to forgive is necessary for real spiritual
  healing. I'd like to emphasize here that we need to be kind to
  ourselves and forgive ourselves as well as others.
  
  Later, when heightened pain reminds us of what happened, the process
  may have to be repeated, usually for a shorter time. Eventually, by
  God's grace, we can acknowledge the injustice of others or ourselves
  and no longer point the finger of blame or sense the sting of guilt.
  
  With the release of these negatives, our personalities change. God's
  sweet Spirit produces the wholesome fruit of righteousness in our
  hearts. No longer will we go around as if "the world owed us a living"
  or trying to prove something. Instead, we'll want to spend our time
  enjoying intimacy with Him and giving of ourselves to others, with no
  strings attached. Bitterness is finally replaced with compassion and love.
  
  "Dear Lord, I praise you for extending forgiveness, so undeserved, to
  me, at such a high price. Please enable me to forgive myself and those
  who have hurt me."
  
  

  • 12:09 pm
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