Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Since this election cycle is almost over (thank goodness!), I had better use all of the “election analogies” I can in the next few days! So here goes…when a candidate makes promises about what he/she will do in office, this person calls upon voters to mark their ballots accordingly to give him/her a majority. “Put me in office,” he/she says…”and I will do XYZ.” Let’s be honest…whether this claim is true or not, there will be zero opportunity to find out if that person isn’t elected!”
Our “part” is important. EVERY vote counts! And whether or not every campaign promise affects us directly, the only way to experience any impact from the results is to vote…to have a say…to make a choice!
I know this is a bit of a stretch…but stick with me. God is ready, willing, and able to forgive us – when we do two things: 1) confess and repent of our sins; and 2) forgive any grudges and/or ill will toward others. We cannot ask God to do something for us that we are not willing to do for the rest of His children. So essentially, when we ask God to forgive us but refuse to forgive others, it’s a lot like saying, “I support Candidate XYZ”…and then failing to go to the polls and cast a vote! We have to do our part.
Does this mean that God only loves us when we comply with Him…when He has things “His way?” Not at all! God will always love us. But He wants us to demonstrate OUR love for HIM by treating others with love, kindness, grace, mercy, compassion – and yes, forgiveness. This makes us true disciples…NOT “doormats.” In this manner, we convey to God – and to the world – that “because Jesus died for my sins – and You forgave them – I am willing to offer the same grace and mercy to others in Your name.”
If you feel a disconnect between your prayers and God’s answers, examine whether or not you are truly doing your part. Where are you harboring any semblance of unforgiveness? Where are you carrying a grudge, judging someone harshly, or operating in any manner of unkindness? Check your thoughts, words and actions and make sure you are serving God with humble obedience, faithfulness, and forgiveness of others. Reconnect with God…and make every prayer count to the fullest!
©2016 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Since this election cycle is almost over (thank goodness!), I had better use all of the “election analogies” I can in the next few days! So here goes…when a candidate makes promises about what he/she will do in office, this person calls upon voters to mark their ballots accordingly to give him/her a majority. “Put me in office,” he/she says…”and I will do XYZ.” Let’s be honest…whether this claim is true or not, there will be zero opportunity to find out if that person isn’t elected!”
Our “part” is important. EVERY vote counts! And whether or not every campaign promise affects us directly, the only way to experience any impact from the results is to vote…to have a say…to make a choice!
I know this is a bit of a stretch…but stick with me. God is ready, willing, and able to forgive us – when we do two things: 1) confess and repent of our sins; and 2) forgive any grudges and/or ill will toward others. We cannot ask God to do something for us that we are not willing to do for the rest of His children. So essentially, when we ask God to forgive us but refuse to forgive others, it’s a lot like saying, “I support Candidate XYZ”…and then failing to go to the polls and cast a vote! We have to do our part.
Does this mean that God only loves us when we comply with Him…when He has things “His way?” Not at all! God will always love us. But He wants us to demonstrate OUR love for HIM by treating others with love, kindness, grace, mercy, compassion – and yes, forgiveness. This makes us true disciples…NOT “doormats.” In this manner, we convey to God – and to the world – that “because Jesus died for my sins – and You forgave them – I am willing to offer the same grace and mercy to others in Your name.”
If you feel a disconnect between your prayers and God’s answers, examine whether or not you are truly doing your part. Where are you harboring any semblance of unforgiveness? Where are you carrying a grudge, judging someone harshly, or operating in any manner of unkindness? Check your thoughts, words and actions and make sure you are serving God with humble obedience, faithfulness, and forgiveness of others. Reconnect with God…and make every prayer count to the fullest!
©2016 Debbie Robus
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