Forgiveness!

There are many things in life that are much easier said than done. Still, the doing needs to occur, especially when it is in accordance with the Will of God. There are Christian principles we need to allow to become the basis of daily living, even though they may seem quite challenging in the sense of running contrary to how we might feel. The fact they are challenging reveals our human weakness, not that God's Will does not work. In fact, following through in obedience to God provides the opportunity for the power of God's truths to be more fully realized.

I was convicted yesterday morning as I read one of the places where Jesus taught regarding forgiveness. The reality of forgiveness is that I need it. Therefore I ought to be willing to extend it. However, am I challenged in following through?

Jesus stated. . .
"(3) Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, (4) and if he SINS AGAINST YOU SEVEN TIMES IN THE DAY, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him." ( Luke 17:3-4 ESV)

SEVEN TIMES? IN A DAY? I must admit the inclination of my frustration level is generally shorter than that? How about you? About the third or fourth or fifth time, might I not question the sincerity of the repentance? However, Jesus unequivocally stated, "you must forgive him."

To bring it into perspective what I need to do is remember how many times I have been in need of GOD'S FORGIVENESS today? How many times have I sinned against Him today and asked for HIS FORGIVENESS? Even when I wrong others, it is against God I am sinning. I must remember that every wrong action is a transgression against God! Perhaps that is why -- though it does also relate to the previous verses -- Jesus began here by stating, "Pay attention to yourselves!"

Here is what I need to consider relative to my own situation before God.

What thoughts have I had today that are contrary to the Will of God?
What have I misspoken today that did not reflect godliness?
What have I done that was not very Christ-like?
What attitude has the tone of my life or words reflected that was less than Christian?
What have I neglected to do that God provided the opportunity to do to His glory?
What have I chosen to listen to that I should have turned off or walked away from that did not reflect the holiness that is to mark my life as a child of God?
What decisions today have reflected more my will than God's?

Notice I listed SEVEN things there. However, how many times have any one of those been repeated in a single day? Is the real lesson not necessarily about counting, but rather about forgiving AS GOD HAS FORGIVEN ME? ( Ephesians 4:32)

Yes, let us pay attention to ourselves! It ought to cause us to be more willing to forgive when we have been wronged. A few days ago my wife posted the simple statement on Facebook, "Live up to the standard you expect of others." May God help us when challenged to forgive. Forgiveness is powerful. Don't we know?

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE POWER OF FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Forgiveness