Forgive Others

 

Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Loving and forgiving one another is one of the hardest tasks that God asks us Christians to do, and yet it is a very central part of our faith. As it says in Colossians 3:12-14, God calls us to love one another and to forgive one another. However, when one is experiencing pain, hurt, and brokenness, forgiving someone who has caused that hurt and pain doesn't seem fair. Pain, hurt, anger, and brokenness can chain one to the ground. It can bring discontent and unrest to one's soul and heart. There is a tendency to focus on oneself, elevating the unforgivable act that gives one no peace, no joy, and no contentment. Satan is good at manipulating and convincing people not to forgive, not let go of the bitterness and anger, and not let go of one's pride.

Pride is in bed with unforgiveness because it calls for one to admit that they have messed up and have wronged a person or that one has failed in forgiving a person. Bitterness and hatred can begin to grow and take hold of one's heart and soul, which in effect can hinder one from being a spokesperson for Christ and being an example of Christ. One must call on God to empower them to forgive. A person cannot truly forgive on their own strength, but only by God's strength can one forgive. Why? Because we are human, weak, and wretched. Place all of your pain, hurt, anger and brokenness into God's hands. Call on God to help you love and forgive those who have hurt you, and He will fill you with an amazing peace. Not only that, it will show others how Christ resides in you.

Remember what Christ said when he was dying on the cross in Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even after everything the people put him through,(they mocked him, they spitted on him, they beat and flogged him, and they nailed him to the cross), he was still asking the Father to forgive them. Forgive, just as He has forgiven you. Let Him heal your shattered heart, wipe away your tears, and bring rest to your heart, soul, and mind.

Heavenly Father,

You are the Peacemaker, Trustworthy, Faithful, and True. You are loving, patient, and forgiving. Even though we struggle with obstacles of our sinful nature, such as forgiveness, that hinder us from serving you and being an example like You, You never stop loving us, and You are always there for us. Help us Lord, to place all of our pain, hurt, and brokenness into your hands. Give us strength and heal our hearts. 

In Jesus precious name,

Amen.

Prayer that you all have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

Watchmen

 

Words written by Kay Arthur in 1993 are ringing true at this very moment...

"Things are changing, and they are changing very rapidly. And in the midst of these changes, there's confusion, there's chaos, there's conflict.
The very foundations of our society are crumbling. If we are going to survive the holy judgment of God -which is here in part and yet is to come in greater measure -then you need to do two things.
First, you need to know what never changes. It is God and His Word.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never change; His character will never change. And it is because of this that God, in His righteousness, will have to judge our iniquity. America cannot continue the way it is going without experiencing the just judgment of God.
God cannot alter the Word which has gone out from His lips. What God has said must come to pass.
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,[b] 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This is what we are failing to share with our world, and we must share it. God has set us as watchmen upon the wall, and if we as His children see God's sword of judgment coming and do not warn the people, the sword will surely come, but their blood shall be upon our hands: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me." Ezekiel 3:17
Our young people need a wholesome dose of the "fear of God" in them, as does the rest of our nation- "the fear of the LORD is to hate evil" (Proverbs 8:13)
Oh, Beloved, where are the watchmen to sound God's trumpet and warn the people? What are you doing as His watchman on the wall to let people know who God is and what His Word says? "
~ Kay Arthur

Times are so uncertain, but what is certain is the wickedness of this world is on a fast forward throttle. We are quickly approaching the times such as the days of Noah. Jesus warned us in Luke 17:26-27, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." And as the author, Kay Arthur, states things are chaotic, confusing, and there is much conflict in the world. 

Presently, there are many people oblivious or people who have refused to believe the Good News. They cling to fear, rebellion, self-centeredness, and false messages of hope.

But we Christians know that God is in control and that He is our hope, and He is the Master Planner. We, as Christians, must stand firm. We must blow the trumpet and sound the warning to all who will hear. For, we do not know who God has called. We must let people know who God is and what His Word says. We must let people know that Jesus is coming. Judgment is coming. Repent and turn to the Lord. We must be faithful watchers on the wall and faithfully serve our Master Planner.

O Mighty God,

You are sovereign and in control. No obstacle or person can hinder Your master plan. Help us focus on You, Your message, Your story, and not the ways and blights of this world. Help us be obedient, faithful watchers on the wall sounding the trumpet to warn others of what is to come if they don't repent and turn to You. Help us boldly share Your message and Your plan.

We praise you, adore you, and thank you.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

May you all have a blessed weekend.

Carol