“FORGIVE” CAIN’T FORGET!!
Sunday’s Monday
The world seems to have developed a convenient misunderstanding in its interpretation of what this title actually means. We of this world tend to rewrite our definition of this phrase every time we’re faced with a dilemma which requires this choice. Speaking from my own experiences requiring the application of these three simple little words, there is absolutely no room for compromise. If you ever expect to live in peace both spiritually and physically it has to be “all or nothing!” As humans we’ve not been given the unrestricted qualities of God in that we may be able to forgive and yet never forget. This is explained in Isaiah 43:25 (ESV), “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. And again, in Hebrews 8:12 (ESV), For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
The world doesn’t want us to learn the truth and the church (in my opinion) is doing a poor job of teaching the freedoms that may be found in understanding the revelation God gave me. The key word in this phrase is “forgive”! Why? Because God can teach us to forgive if we’re willing. To forgive someone of any offense committed against us, is a big WOW in God terms. God inspired the writings of Ephesians 4:32 (ESV), Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. God is giving us the way to forgive in this passage, “as God in Christ forgave us,” so must we be in Christ to forgive others completely and properly. The secret is to allow Jesus to fill our heart with so much forgiveness that our memories no longer carry malice. We in Christ can overcome the ill will that hinders our relationship with God and therefore set us free of that internal turmoil.
The early chapters of Ephesians are filled with the wisdom to understand and overcome this misguided phrase which we’ve all been taught and led to believe it is of God. I know, I can’t count the hours I’ve wasted worrying about my not being able to forget an offense committed against me. The offenses that I committed against others were easy, I could make amends for those and it was over (at least for me). But I on the other hand took comfort in holding the malice even though I knew it was wrong. It was almost as if I was expecting God to pity me in my anger but then He sent me a message. The message came from Ephesians 4:15 (ESV), Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. My dilemma was childish and hurting no one but myself. My relationship with God was suffering over my pride and malice that I’ve stored. Today I thank Jesus for walking me through this imprisoning way of life and teaching I can remember bad situations without needing someone to blame. We can all have the freedom to remember without hate if we will allow Jesus to set is free.
My prayer comes from Ephesians 3:14-21(ESV), 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
For email version send request to…pal249@hotmail.com…11/15/2020