John 20:19-23
Later on that day, the disciples
had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the
doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to
you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.
The disciples,
seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated
his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”
Then
he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy
Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good.
If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”
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.
There's a funny thing about
kids…they never want you to throw anything away. So they are devastated
when they find “artwork” in the trash…or you gather toys they no longer
play with to share with a younger child. I’ve even seen our children
cling to clothing that they had outgrown. I’m particularly remembering a
pair of “Ninja Turtles” pajamas that were far too snug and short (both
in the leg length and the “stride”) for Timothy – and then Nathan – and
both boys INSISTED that these still fit and fell apart when I mentioned
giving them to a younger friend. I cannot count how many times we have
had to do a little “purging” when the children were gone… and just hoped
that they didn’t ask about the “missing” items!
You and I hang
onto things, too…just open any closet or drawer! But we also cling to
grudges…offenses…and memories of things that happened so long ago that the
details are incredibly fuzzy to everyone – except us! As Christians, we
are called to forgive…to let go of these things and move forward. As
Jesus put it to the Disciples...if you don’t release old baggage, what
will you do with it?
Some of us try to “wear” these old sins
like the too-small pair of Ninja Turtles pajama pants. And I’m here to
tell you, the look ain’t pretty! More importantly, it does not properly
represent our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The same
deep breath that Jesus breathed into His Disciples, He breathes into
each and every one of us who surrender to Him. He fills us with His
Holy Spirit. But it is up to us to receive Him and recognize His
presence…to fully operate under His guidance, wisdom, grace and mercy -
each and every day.
So “out with the old…in with the new!” Think
about what you need to let go of today…who you need to forgive…where
you should release old grudges, insults, offenses and heartaches, so
that the Holy Spirit has room to fill your heart with His joys and
abundance. Don’t be afraid to get rid of the baggage and move forward
with Christ. It’s time to truly trust Jesus to do what He has
promised…and to extend His peace and love to others. Now ready…set…GO!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label how we handle offense rejection betrayal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how we handle offense rejection betrayal. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 6, 2015
Matthew 5:28-30
You know that you have been taught, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you. When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek. If someone sues you for your shirt, give up your coat as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have all been saddened and discouraged by recent tragic events…the shootings in Charleston, South Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; and the senseless killings of policemen AND those committed by law enforcement officers, to name a few. We’re angered and disgusted over pictures that appear on social media of animals that have been abused. We are outraged by the photos of hungry and homeless children and refugees in foreign lands. And I don’t know about you, but the latest heartbreak – the little body of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian child who washed ashore after drowning at sea as his family fled for Turkey (and ultimately to Europe) – has just about done me in.
“Somebody should pay,” we say! But who – and how? What would we deem the right recompense for some of these atrocities? Oh, don’t tell me…because I have a feeling that many of us have a few mortal “answers.” But we need only look as far as the words of Jesus to know what we’re really supposed to say…how He intends for us to feel – and act. The One who knew that His own disciple would betray Him…that He would be spit upon, beaten, bruised and bloodied – then crucified horrifically on a wooden cross…told us clearly and plainly what to do. This One who had every right to seek revenge…to turn His back on the whole lot of us…said, “Don’t try to get even.”
In fact, Jesus went further. He said, “When someone takes your shirt…offer them your coat, too!” In other words, when someone wrongs you, continue to treat them with love and kindness. Even when it takes everything you can muster not to be rude - or at best, distant - pull yourself together in the name of Jesus, and show the person who wronged you His loving image through your words and actions.
Tough to do? You betcha! It ranks right up there with forgiving others…and I’m not all that good at either one. But I know that this is what is required of me. And I cannot ask to do less than the One who did EVERYTHING for me…and neither can you! So hitch up your britches, pray hard, and start living like Jesus! Let God handle the judgment and revenge…and keep your eyes on the Cross. We.can.do.this! Jesus will be with us every step of the way. And He will make all the difference!
©2015 Debbie Robus
You know that you have been taught, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you. When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek. If someone sues you for your shirt, give up your coat as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have all been saddened and discouraged by recent tragic events…the shootings in Charleston, South Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; and the senseless killings of policemen AND those committed by law enforcement officers, to name a few. We’re angered and disgusted over pictures that appear on social media of animals that have been abused. We are outraged by the photos of hungry and homeless children and refugees in foreign lands. And I don’t know about you, but the latest heartbreak – the little body of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian child who washed ashore after drowning at sea as his family fled for Turkey (and ultimately to Europe) – has just about done me in.
“Somebody should pay,” we say! But who – and how? What would we deem the right recompense for some of these atrocities? Oh, don’t tell me…because I have a feeling that many of us have a few mortal “answers.” But we need only look as far as the words of Jesus to know what we’re really supposed to say…how He intends for us to feel – and act. The One who knew that His own disciple would betray Him…that He would be spit upon, beaten, bruised and bloodied – then crucified horrifically on a wooden cross…told us clearly and plainly what to do. This One who had every right to seek revenge…to turn His back on the whole lot of us…said, “Don’t try to get even.”
In fact, Jesus went further. He said, “When someone takes your shirt…offer them your coat, too!” In other words, when someone wrongs you, continue to treat them with love and kindness. Even when it takes everything you can muster not to be rude - or at best, distant - pull yourself together in the name of Jesus, and show the person who wronged you His loving image through your words and actions.
Tough to do? You betcha! It ranks right up there with forgiving others…and I’m not all that good at either one. But I know that this is what is required of me. And I cannot ask to do less than the One who did EVERYTHING for me…and neither can you! So hitch up your britches, pray hard, and start living like Jesus! Let God handle the judgment and revenge…and keep your eyes on the Cross. We.can.do.this! Jesus will be with us every step of the way. And He will make all the difference!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 23, 2015
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.”
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2014
Luke 22:34
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Between now and tomorrow morning when the rooster crows, you will deny me three times, declaring that you don’t even know me.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The late actress Bette Davis said, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.” More than a few of us have had to make the excruciating admission that we can no longer adequately care for Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa at home...that skilled care is required, if not a facility where security is critical in order to assure our loved one’s safety. As the mind fades, so does the capacity to behave rationally. Some become violent – or tend to wander. Others are simply mad at the world and make everyone around them miserable, too.
I still remember my own grandmother’s stint at a hospital in a nearby city, after she mixed up her prescription medications and over-the-counter “aids” and began to hallucinate. She lost her ability to speak for a while...but the day that we wheeled her into a local nursing home, she plainly and angrily asked, “Why did you put me here?” Her attitude about the facility was expected...her verbalized response was not. But overall, her anger about the situation was not a surprise...and it happens every day in skilled care nursing facilities around the world.
Often, there are situations in our lives where we know that others will be angry and upset with us. Children protest their parents’ directives to take a bath and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Teens complain that their curfew is too early...their “dress code” is too stringent...and their parents and other adults simply don’t understand – anything! Seniors insist that they can still drive, after their eyesight and hearing fail...that they can still live alone and make their one decisions, even though they can’t remember to pay bills – or what they ate for breakfast...that they do not need around-the-clock assistance, even though they fall often and can no longer care for their personal needs adequately!
Alcoholics and addicts of all kinds assure loved ones that they are “never going to do this again.” And some do make a change! But others have not fully “turned the corner”...and we know almost as quickly as they utter the phrase that their next binge is on the horizon. In many relationships, friends and partners assure the other one that they are sorry for what has been said or done, and declare that this “won’t happen again”...and often the other person knows fully well that they are receiving “lip service.”
Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him three times in one night. Peter insisted that there was NO WAY that he would ever do this! But he did. Peter was heartsick...ashamed...devastated beyond description that He could sink to such a low point. Scripture indicates that he assumed that Jesus was done with him. Surely He wouldn’t want a disciple who was so despicable and disloyal. But the thing is...Jesus treated Peter with incredible mercy – and forgave him. Then He used Peter to serve in His ministry and do tremendous things to further His kingdom.
So where does that leave us? I think you know the answer. When people rail against us, say or do hurtful things, make promises we know they can’t – or won’t – keep, we must look at Jesus’ treatment of Peter and ask, “How can I do any less?” If Jesus could forgive Peter and offer Him mercy, how can we refuse to treat others any differently? How can we operate in anything but love, kindness, grace and mercy?
Will we be hurt and insulted at times? Probably. Will we want to retaliate...or alienate the person who has betrayed or belittled us? Possibly. Will we be angry and upset...will we throw a fit and tell everyone we know how badly we have been treated? More than likely. These are common human reactions...responses that many would consider perfectly normal and appropriate. Is this how Jesus treated Peter? Absolutely not!
As Disciples of Christ, we are called to operate above the fray. If Jesus truly is the LORD of our lives...if His Holy Spirit fills our heart and guides our words and actions...our reactions to others must mirror His. We are not called to crucifixion on a cross...we will most likely never be literally beaten and bloodied for our conduct...our insults and indignations pale in comparison to those inflicted upon Jesus. Do you want to respond to others as the world at large would...or with the grace and mercy of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ?
On a much smaller scale, we will be “denied three times” over and again throughout our lives. Let me ask you...how will you react?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Between now and tomorrow morning when the rooster crows, you will deny me three times, declaring that you don’t even know me.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The late actress Bette Davis said, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.” More than a few of us have had to make the excruciating admission that we can no longer adequately care for Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa at home...that skilled care is required, if not a facility where security is critical in order to assure our loved one’s safety. As the mind fades, so does the capacity to behave rationally. Some become violent – or tend to wander. Others are simply mad at the world and make everyone around them miserable, too.
I still remember my own grandmother’s stint at a hospital in a nearby city, after she mixed up her prescription medications and over-the-counter “aids” and began to hallucinate. She lost her ability to speak for a while...but the day that we wheeled her into a local nursing home, she plainly and angrily asked, “Why did you put me here?” Her attitude about the facility was expected...her verbalized response was not. But overall, her anger about the situation was not a surprise...and it happens every day in skilled care nursing facilities around the world.
Often, there are situations in our lives where we know that others will be angry and upset with us. Children protest their parents’ directives to take a bath and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Teens complain that their curfew is too early...their “dress code” is too stringent...and their parents and other adults simply don’t understand – anything! Seniors insist that they can still drive, after their eyesight and hearing fail...that they can still live alone and make their one decisions, even though they can’t remember to pay bills – or what they ate for breakfast...that they do not need around-the-clock assistance, even though they fall often and can no longer care for their personal needs adequately!
Alcoholics and addicts of all kinds assure loved ones that they are “never going to do this again.” And some do make a change! But others have not fully “turned the corner”...and we know almost as quickly as they utter the phrase that their next binge is on the horizon. In many relationships, friends and partners assure the other one that they are sorry for what has been said or done, and declare that this “won’t happen again”...and often the other person knows fully well that they are receiving “lip service.”
Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him three times in one night. Peter insisted that there was NO WAY that he would ever do this! But he did. Peter was heartsick...ashamed...devastated beyond description that He could sink to such a low point. Scripture indicates that he assumed that Jesus was done with him. Surely He wouldn’t want a disciple who was so despicable and disloyal. But the thing is...Jesus treated Peter with incredible mercy – and forgave him. Then He used Peter to serve in His ministry and do tremendous things to further His kingdom.
So where does that leave us? I think you know the answer. When people rail against us, say or do hurtful things, make promises we know they can’t – or won’t – keep, we must look at Jesus’ treatment of Peter and ask, “How can I do any less?” If Jesus could forgive Peter and offer Him mercy, how can we refuse to treat others any differently? How can we operate in anything but love, kindness, grace and mercy?
Will we be hurt and insulted at times? Probably. Will we want to retaliate...or alienate the person who has betrayed or belittled us? Possibly. Will we be angry and upset...will we throw a fit and tell everyone we know how badly we have been treated? More than likely. These are common human reactions...responses that many would consider perfectly normal and appropriate. Is this how Jesus treated Peter? Absolutely not!
As Disciples of Christ, we are called to operate above the fray. If Jesus truly is the LORD of our lives...if His Holy Spirit fills our heart and guides our words and actions...our reactions to others must mirror His. We are not called to crucifixion on a cross...we will most likely never be literally beaten and bloodied for our conduct...our insults and indignations pale in comparison to those inflicted upon Jesus. Do you want to respond to others as the world at large would...or with the grace and mercy of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ?
On a much smaller scale, we will be “denied three times” over and again throughout our lives. Let me ask you...how will you react?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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