Some of you know I run (jog) to stay in shape and to keep my sanity. I’m convinced running does more for me mentally than physically.
But there’s one thing I don’t do. I don’t do treadmills. At least, if there is any other alternative, I leave the treadmill alone.
Why? Because a treadmill is exactly the same no matter what. On a treadmill, I never seem to get my second wind. And, the scenery never changes. The part that matters most to me is that I never seem to be making progress.
As I have preached about forgiveness over the last few weeks, this is how I see the failure to forgive. Until we forgive as God told us, we never change the scenery. At that point our jog is like being on a treadmill with the grade tilted up.
Forgiveness is like getting your second wind. Finally, the scenery changes and the temperature feels cooler and the humidity lower.
What is it that really makes us willing to forgive? I believe it is agreeing with God that it is His will and determining to please God in everything. Forgiveness is letting go of the offense and letting God do the work of restoration in your heart and mind.
Forgiveness is not easy. It comes only by earnest desire to please God and to follow the example of Jesus.
Not even forgiveness solves everything. You can’t really forget, and the offense may be irreparable.
What forgiveness does is give us a path on which we can move forward. It starts removing the barriers and the scenery begins to look more pleasing. Forgiveness takes away those hindrances that keep us from getting better.
May God bless you as you seek to please Him by forgiving your debtors.
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One Response
One way to look at Forgiveness in the context of Scripture is to consider it as a Contract. In doing so, one must identify the principal parties to the Contract. One must identify the Consideration offered for the acquisition of Service and or Property.
Within the scope of Scripture there is no clearer picture than in the passages defining context and the principals of the Principle Contract of Forgiveness than Ezekiel Chapter 33 and Matthew Chapter 6. Both Charges are for God’s People with God’s People. The understanding presented here defines the terms of Fellowship, as well as sets the context of ‘Faith in Action.‘ Hold on, the scenery may change rapidly when the Bride Acts. It did for Achan, his motivation was to put himself before the Fellowship. What was Ananias’ motivation? Did not each have a circle of enablers?
The place for Forgiveness is clear within the fellowship, harmony & unity; the place for forgiveness outside the fellowship is for: Evangelism. And so, one is to do more than what is expected, as an Act of Worship. What I have learned and is consistent with Scripture is: the coals of fire in Romans 12 that are “heaped upon the head” are done so as a picture of ‘overcoming evil with Good.’ It is an act of Evangelism, not revenge or bitterness, but Love Christ Style. It is the giving of self, ones inner most possession of purity and refinement.
It takes The “Many Members” to deal with demons within the midst, for which we also have examples Dear Bride. As you preach in the context of Scripture, Good News, may We Act on Our Contract accordingly. AMEN. Thank you!
Blessings