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As believers in the Lord, our life must be an example of love, forgiveness,
mercy and peace. We shouldn't allow our past mistakes to hinder our future
and affect how we treat others. We must forgive those who have done wrong
against us and seek forgiveness towards those whom we have done something
wrong against. The Lord Jesus declares in Mark 11:24-26 “Therefore I say
unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye
receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive,
if ye have ought 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.” (Romans 3:23-25)
We must always keep in mind that forgiveness allows healing to both parties
and also shows God that we seek mercy from Him who have all sinned in His
sight. Be encouraged to apologize towards those whom you have hurt and
make right every wrong that was committed. You will see for yourself the
healing that takes place both when we seek mercy and give mercy. (Luke 6:35-36)
I hope today's message encourages your heart to both forgive and seek
forgiveness towards everyone who has hurt you and whom you may have hurt
in the past.
NEVER TOO LATE
Several years ago, while attending a communications course, I experienced
a most unusual process. The instructor asked us to list anything in our
past that we felt ashamed of, guilty about, regretted, or incomplete about.
The next week he invited participants to read their lists aloud. This
seemed like a very private process, but there's always some brave soul in
the crowd who will volunteer. As people read their lists, mine grew longer.
After three weeks, I had 101 items on my list. The instructor then
suggested that we find ways to make amends, apologize to people, or take
some action to right any wrongdoing. I was seriously wondering how this
could ever improve my communications, having visions of alienating just
about everyone from my life.
The next week, the man next to me raised his hand and volunteered this story:
While making my list, I remembered an incident from high school. I grew up
in a small town in Iowa. There was a sheriff in town that none of us kids
liked. One night, my two buddies and I decided to play a trick on Sheriff
Brown. After drinking, we found a can of red paint, climbed the tall water
tank in the middle of town, and wrote, on the tank, in bright red letters:
“Sheriff Brown is a bad man.” The next day, the town arose to see our
glorious sign. Within two hours, Sheriff Brown had my two pals and me in
his office. My friends confessed and I lied, denying the truth. No one
ever found out.
Nearly 20 years later, Sheriff Brown's name appears on my list. I didn't
even know if he was still alive. Last weekend, I dialed information in my
hometown back in Iowa. Sure enough, there was a Roger Brown still listed.
I dialed his number. After a few rings, I heard: `Hello?' I said:
`Sheriff Brown?'
Pause. `Yes.'
Well, this is Jimmy Calkins. And I want you to know that I did it.'
Pause.
`I knew it!' he yelled back. We had a good laugh and a lively discussion.
His closing words were: `Jimmy, I always felt badly for you because your
buddies got it off their chest, and I knew you were carrying it around all
these years. I want to thank you for calling me...for your sake.'
Jimmy inspired me to clear up all 101 items on my list. It took me almost
two years, but became the springboard and true inspiration for my career
as a conflict mediator. No matter how difficult the conflict, crisis or
situation, I always remember that it's never too late to clear up the past
and begin resolution.
By Marilyn Manning
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus says, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye
may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His
sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and
on the unjust.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their
trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Romans 12:17-21 “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest
in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather
give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst,
give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem84.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: A BETTER WAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony22.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
