Matthew 6:12-15
"...and forgive us our sins, just as
we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into
temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen." Your heavenly
Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if
you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, the Sunday
school lesson for my K-1st Grade class was about tattling vs.
telling…and bullying. We talked about what constitutes bullying…and
when it is appropriate to tell someone what is happening. We also
talked about relatively harmless behaviors that we sometimes want to
share with others that fall in the category of tattling. A good example
would be telling an adult that someone is hitting other children on the playground vs. tattling
that a child refuses to share a swing. In the first example, people
could be physically hurt. In the latter…it’s just a matter of someone
possibly being rude.
We also talked about revenge…which scripture
tells us is not appropriate. We read Romans 12:18-19...”Don’t insist
on getting even; that’s not for you to do. ‘I’ll do the judging,’ says
God. ‘I’ll take care of it.’” I asked the children if they felt happy
when something bad happens to a person who had been unkind toward them.
One little girl said, “That’s called ‘karma!’” I had to laugh…but we
went on to discuss how this is not our responsibility. Relishing in
another person’s bad fortune (or “karma”) if they have mistreated us is
not God’s will…or our job!
I’m often astounded at how what I am
sharing with you here dovetails with what I teach to children in Sunday
school during the same time period. Part of our lesson yesterday
included the three steps for confronting someone who is offending us in
some manner…1) talk to them directly; 2) take someone with you if they
won’t listen; and 3) walk away if the person still refuses to change.
I’m
not totally “there” yet…but I am learning that harboring unforgiveness
does two things to me…1) it eats a hole in my heart and makes me
miserable; and 2) it dishonors God. I have tried very hard to let go of
hurts and insults…to give them to God and let HIM handle what happens.
Additionally, “carrying the torch” for an old insult or indignity does
the same thing. Sometimes it is hard to walk away…but there are times
when we must do this rather than harbor bitterness and resentments.
People
who know me well might say that I have a way to go in this
department…and they are probably right! But every day, I ask God to
remove all animosity and unforgiveness from my heart. I know that these
attitudes block God’s grace and mercy in my own life. I know that when
I say or do something that displeases Him, my own attitudes affect how –
and if/when – He will forgive me.
I don’t know about you, but I
need all of God’s compassion and leniency that I can get! So I will
keep working to banish any resentment, bitterness, callousness, and
unforgiveness from my heart and mind. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label unforgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unforgiveness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2016
Mark 11:25-26
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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.
If you have spent any time around young children, you know that in a split second, they can have every single toy, puzzle, and game strewn across the floor. And we dare not remove a solitary item, because it will surely be missed!
I have started limiting what the kids can get out at one time. I will tell them, “Before you get out those cars, you have to pick up this box of blocks.” They don’t like it…and sometimes, they will say, “But I’m still playing with that toy!” Occasionally, they make a good case…but often, I tell them that we are not going to do anything else until they get done with the task at hand.
Now think about your life. There are times when you have so many things “strewn about”…you are clinging to this grudge or that conversation that upset you. You are angry with someone about SOMETHING…and you’re not quite done being mad! You come before God and ask Him to guide your steps…to care for you and your loved ones…to heal this situation or that. And God essentially says, “Clean up your mess first.”
It’s not that God doesn’t want to help us. Just as WE could pick up the toys and get everything straightened up and in order for our little ones, God could surely clean up any mess we have. He could fix our grudges…resolve our conflicts…heal the world mentally, physically and spiritually…cover every debt of every kind. But God knows that we need to have a part in this. We learn valuable lessons from actively participating in this process. God also knows that if we keep accumulating clutter in our heart and mind, we’ll just pile our hearts full complaints, resentments, bitterness, ill will toward others, and other clutter. We say to our children, “I’m not giving you another thing to play with while you have all of this.” God says, “I cannot help you with ABC until you resolve XYZ.”
God is not being mean, just as we are not being unkind to our little ones. He is saying, “Assume responsibility. Don’t ask Me to do something you are not willing to do yourself. Get your house in order a little before you start asking Me to step in and save the day.”
If there is an area of your life where you feel that God isn’t answering – no matter how large or small – I suggest you take a long hard look at your own heart. See if there is a possibility that you are harboring a little clutter…a grudge, some bitterness, a hateful opinion of someone, or even a minor irritation. Let go…and let God have room to work! Once you clean up some of the mess, you may be astounded at how quickly God goes into action!
God can – and will – do anything we ask, if our heart is in the right place. Isn’t it time we cleared out enough space for Him to work? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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.
If you have spent any time around young children, you know that in a split second, they can have every single toy, puzzle, and game strewn across the floor. And we dare not remove a solitary item, because it will surely be missed!
I have started limiting what the kids can get out at one time. I will tell them, “Before you get out those cars, you have to pick up this box of blocks.” They don’t like it…and sometimes, they will say, “But I’m still playing with that toy!” Occasionally, they make a good case…but often, I tell them that we are not going to do anything else until they get done with the task at hand.
Now think about your life. There are times when you have so many things “strewn about”…you are clinging to this grudge or that conversation that upset you. You are angry with someone about SOMETHING…and you’re not quite done being mad! You come before God and ask Him to guide your steps…to care for you and your loved ones…to heal this situation or that. And God essentially says, “Clean up your mess first.”
It’s not that God doesn’t want to help us. Just as WE could pick up the toys and get everything straightened up and in order for our little ones, God could surely clean up any mess we have. He could fix our grudges…resolve our conflicts…heal the world mentally, physically and spiritually…cover every debt of every kind. But God knows that we need to have a part in this. We learn valuable lessons from actively participating in this process. God also knows that if we keep accumulating clutter in our heart and mind, we’ll just pile our hearts full complaints, resentments, bitterness, ill will toward others, and other clutter. We say to our children, “I’m not giving you another thing to play with while you have all of this.” God says, “I cannot help you with ABC until you resolve XYZ.”
God is not being mean, just as we are not being unkind to our little ones. He is saying, “Assume responsibility. Don’t ask Me to do something you are not willing to do yourself. Get your house in order a little before you start asking Me to step in and save the day.”
If there is an area of your life where you feel that God isn’t answering – no matter how large or small – I suggest you take a long hard look at your own heart. See if there is a possibility that you are harboring a little clutter…a grudge, some bitterness, a hateful opinion of someone, or even a minor irritation. Let go…and let God have room to work! Once you clean up some of the mess, you may be astounded at how quickly God goes into action!
God can – and will – do anything we ask, if our heart is in the right place. Isn’t it time we cleared out enough space for Him to work? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 15, 2016
Ephesians 4:31-32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A lifelong friend of mine shared a link on Facebook that featured a portrait of our First Lady and a comment about her poise, intelligence and elegance. Someone responded with a rude litany of hateful comments and some ugly descriptive words. My friend replied…”Did someone hack your account? Just doesn’t sound like you.” The person responded that indeed, she had NOT been hacked, and she continued her tirade. I loved my friend’s final comment to this person…a simple ”Okey dokey!”
As Whoopie Goldberg always says on The View when she makes a comment to which some might disagree…”Do not write or call!” This is not meant to be a political statement. (In other words, please keep your opinions about our First Lady to yourself!) Rather, this is a commentary on a very important – and Biblical – lesson that my mother and others taught me when I was very young…”If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all.” I was also taught to respect other human beings, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not…that words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube” (or one’s mouth), it’s pretty well impossible to stuff them back inside…and rude behavior is never appropriate – or Christ like. In other words, there are times when the only decent response is, “Okey dokey!”
Does this make us doormats or indicate that we agree with those who would be unkind or rude? Absolutely not! This is a good way to say, “I’m not getting involved in this. I will not embarrass myself – or God – by stooping to this level.” It is also a way of demonstrating that even when others DO behave badly and emit shameful remarks or actions, we find a way to love them in spite of them…because Jesus requires it of us.
I will be the first to tell you that I have had a few situations, particularly in recent years, where it has been hard to forgive and love anyway…where the words “Okey dokey” or some form of them seemed to stick in my mouth and refuse to emerge. I still struggle with feelings of bitterness and anger about certain situations. But I’m working on this…because I know that there are plenty of times when I have angered Jesus with my own thoughts, words and actions.
I know that on any given day, I’ve sunk to a new low in the eyes of God, and He has been rightfully ready to let me have it! And yet, because of Jesus, I experience abundant grace, mercy and forgiveness…and love everlasting.
So “okey dokey” is my new mantra. It really covers a multitude of things…doesn’t it? And yet, I can offer this with love and forgiveness…as I bite my tongue and pray for my own new mercies. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A lifelong friend of mine shared a link on Facebook that featured a portrait of our First Lady and a comment about her poise, intelligence and elegance. Someone responded with a rude litany of hateful comments and some ugly descriptive words. My friend replied…”Did someone hack your account? Just doesn’t sound like you.” The person responded that indeed, she had NOT been hacked, and she continued her tirade. I loved my friend’s final comment to this person…a simple ”Okey dokey!”
As Whoopie Goldberg always says on The View when she makes a comment to which some might disagree…”Do not write or call!” This is not meant to be a political statement. (In other words, please keep your opinions about our First Lady to yourself!) Rather, this is a commentary on a very important – and Biblical – lesson that my mother and others taught me when I was very young…”If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all.” I was also taught to respect other human beings, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not…that words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube” (or one’s mouth), it’s pretty well impossible to stuff them back inside…and rude behavior is never appropriate – or Christ like. In other words, there are times when the only decent response is, “Okey dokey!”
Does this make us doormats or indicate that we agree with those who would be unkind or rude? Absolutely not! This is a good way to say, “I’m not getting involved in this. I will not embarrass myself – or God – by stooping to this level.” It is also a way of demonstrating that even when others DO behave badly and emit shameful remarks or actions, we find a way to love them in spite of them…because Jesus requires it of us.
I will be the first to tell you that I have had a few situations, particularly in recent years, where it has been hard to forgive and love anyway…where the words “Okey dokey” or some form of them seemed to stick in my mouth and refuse to emerge. I still struggle with feelings of bitterness and anger about certain situations. But I’m working on this…because I know that there are plenty of times when I have angered Jesus with my own thoughts, words and actions.
I know that on any given day, I’ve sunk to a new low in the eyes of God, and He has been rightfully ready to let me have it! And yet, because of Jesus, I experience abundant grace, mercy and forgiveness…and love everlasting.
So “okey dokey” is my new mantra. It really covers a multitude of things…doesn’t it? And yet, I can offer this with love and forgiveness…as I bite my tongue and pray for my own new mercies. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 15, 2014
August 15 ~ Luke 23:43
And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It would have been so easy for Jesus to write off those two thieves hanging on either side of Him. After all, He was more than just a little preoccupied...beaten beyond recognition...every breath more painful than the last. And yet, He took time to forgive a sinful man and welcome him preemptively into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is understandable how Jesus found the strength to say “Good-bye” to His mother, Mary, and to commend her care to John the Apostle. But it’s hard to comprehend that He cried out to God and asked Him to forgive the soldiers who “know not what they do”. It is astounding to stop and think that Jesus’ last thoughts – and breaths – were largely spent on forgiving others.
So where does this leave us? It’s a question I’ve been asking a lot lately – both of myself and of you. I have to say, I am sensing that this is highly significant for many of us right now. It would be so easy to write a few folks off. I’m not talking in the sense of “unfriending” someone on Facebook...but truly cutting off virtually all contact with these people and acting as if they pretty much no longer exist in your world. And sometimes, we have to distance ourselves from people who are causing us pain – whether physically, mentally, emotionally – or all three.
But here’s the thing...we serve a God of second chances (and third and fourth and fifth)...and in His eyes...it’s never too late for repentance – or for grace, mercy and forgiveness. So it was God’s will that Jesus forgive that thief on the cross in his waning moments of life. And it is God’s will that we forgive others who ask for a second chance. It is His will that we operate in grace and mercy - and sometimes forgiveness...even when the other person did NOT ask for it.
We’re not being weak by doing this...we are demonstrating 1) God’s amazing power in our lives and our obedience to His will; and 2) our desire to free ourselves of bitterness and anguish, because truly, when we are unable to forgive others, WE are the ones who suffer the most.
Don’t misunderstand me. If someone is threatening to harm you – physically, mentally or emotionally - remove yourself from their presence. Put a healthy distance between the two of you. Do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and those around you. No one should stay in an abusive or dangerous situation. I’m not suggesting in the least that you try to be a hero or “tough it out” in circumstances that are unhealthy or unsafe in any manner. Get to a safe place, and then ask God to show you how to find mercy and forgiveness for the person who harmed you...from a secure distance!
For the rest of us, here are the things to remember about today’s scripture passage:
©2014 Debbie Robus
And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It would have been so easy for Jesus to write off those two thieves hanging on either side of Him. After all, He was more than just a little preoccupied...beaten beyond recognition...every breath more painful than the last. And yet, He took time to forgive a sinful man and welcome him preemptively into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is understandable how Jesus found the strength to say “Good-bye” to His mother, Mary, and to commend her care to John the Apostle. But it’s hard to comprehend that He cried out to God and asked Him to forgive the soldiers who “know not what they do”. It is astounding to stop and think that Jesus’ last thoughts – and breaths – were largely spent on forgiving others.
So where does this leave us? It’s a question I’ve been asking a lot lately – both of myself and of you. I have to say, I am sensing that this is highly significant for many of us right now. It would be so easy to write a few folks off. I’m not talking in the sense of “unfriending” someone on Facebook...but truly cutting off virtually all contact with these people and acting as if they pretty much no longer exist in your world. And sometimes, we have to distance ourselves from people who are causing us pain – whether physically, mentally, emotionally – or all three.
But here’s the thing...we serve a God of second chances (and third and fourth and fifth)...and in His eyes...it’s never too late for repentance – or for grace, mercy and forgiveness. So it was God’s will that Jesus forgive that thief on the cross in his waning moments of life. And it is God’s will that we forgive others who ask for a second chance. It is His will that we operate in grace and mercy - and sometimes forgiveness...even when the other person did NOT ask for it.
We’re not being weak by doing this...we are demonstrating 1) God’s amazing power in our lives and our obedience to His will; and 2) our desire to free ourselves of bitterness and anguish, because truly, when we are unable to forgive others, WE are the ones who suffer the most.
Don’t misunderstand me. If someone is threatening to harm you – physically, mentally or emotionally - remove yourself from their presence. Put a healthy distance between the two of you. Do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and those around you. No one should stay in an abusive or dangerous situation. I’m not suggesting in the least that you try to be a hero or “tough it out” in circumstances that are unhealthy or unsafe in any manner. Get to a safe place, and then ask God to show you how to find mercy and forgiveness for the person who harmed you...from a secure distance!
For the rest of us, here are the things to remember about today’s scripture passage:
- The next time you think it’s too late...that you have messed up too badly, and you are doomed, remember the thief on the cross and Jesus’ response to His confession and request for mercy.
- The next time you say, “I cannot get past this. I cannot forgive him/her”...remember the cross and Jesus’ words to God about those who had abused Him and nailed Him to a cross.
- The next time you think forgiveness is too hard for you – or that it will open the door for others to mistreat you or take advantage of you, remember Jesus and how He utilized His final breaths.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 6, 2014
Matthew 18:21-27
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
“The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
“The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
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.
In his book The Shack, Wm. Paul Young portrays a father who is distraught over the abuse and murder of his four-year-old daughter. He wrestles with his feelings of anger and unforgiveness… toward the perpetrator, God - and himself. God guides this man to some profound realizations about forgiveness, as noted in the quotes cited earlier.
The father comes to realize something that we must all face…that we must forgive others because God forgives us. Over and again, we throw ourselves at His feet and beg for mercy, and He grants us a reprieve. This does not excuse our sin… just as it does not excuse the horrific abuse and murder of a tiny child… or a drunken, grief-stricken father who strikes a crying toddler. I do not know if the mother of this child forgave the man who slapped him. But I do know that her failure to do so will gnaw at her for years to come.
And so we are left to think about our own lives. A pastor friend of mine commented recently that there had been times in his life when he wished someone would have actually punched him in the nose rather than deliver a hurtful comment. We can probably all relate to that. Words can truly pierce our hearts. Unkind gestures, physical abuse and neglect, deception and betrayal are all despicable behaviors…but a hateful comment or personal rejection often seems far more painful to endure.
Yet the real damage to our souls comes from our own unforgiveness. Whether the “perpetrator” asks for it or not… we must listen to Jesus and find a way to forgive this person in our heart. In order to be whole…complete in Jesus… we must forgive as He did. Surely no one has endured more insult or injury than Jesus did on the cross…yet, in Him we find the perfect model of forgiveness. Jesus is not asking us to condone mistreatment… He is showing us another way to consider it. So while I am still outraged that a man would slap a 19-year-old baby on an airplane, I am asking God to give me a sense of mercy and compassion for his struggles and the horrific experiences that could lead him to do such a thing. He will now spend eight months in prison – and a lifetime afterward – considering his misdeeds…and for his heartaches and miseries, I believe Jesus wants us to be concerned.
I would be lying if I told you that forgiveness is easy for me. I have a feeling that if we were totally honest, most of us would have to admit that we struggle with this every single day to some degree. But we can get better at it! We can learn to operate more in compassion and less in offense. We must work at “erasing the debt” in our heart and offering mercy to the other guy… even when we would rather not – or maybe especially then!
Search your heart today and make a mental list of people and situations you need to see in a different light. Ask God to give you a healthy dose of compassion… to strengthen you and shield you as you release your grip on the other guy’s throat (if only figuratively) and start to strengthen your grasp on His hand. I assure you that I will be doing this, also. I am trusting God to show me how to forgive others completely…and to experience His wholeness in the process. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Shack ~ http://www.theshackbook.com/
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
“The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
“The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
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.
“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person's throat.NBC News is reporting today that a former aerospace executive has been sentenced to eight months in prison for slapping a 19-month-old toddler aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Minnesota last February…because the child was crying. The man’s attorney blamed his behavior on alcoholism…and the fact that this man was returning home from Atlanta after removing his son from life support following an insulin overdose. The troubled father apologized to the child’s mother in court, saying, “I made the most terrible day in my life much worse for myself and others."
Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established.
Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.
Forgiveness does not excuse anything.
You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness.”
― Wm. Paul Young, The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity*
In his book The Shack, Wm. Paul Young portrays a father who is distraught over the abuse and murder of his four-year-old daughter. He wrestles with his feelings of anger and unforgiveness… toward the perpetrator, God - and himself. God guides this man to some profound realizations about forgiveness, as noted in the quotes cited earlier.
The father comes to realize something that we must all face…that we must forgive others because God forgives us. Over and again, we throw ourselves at His feet and beg for mercy, and He grants us a reprieve. This does not excuse our sin… just as it does not excuse the horrific abuse and murder of a tiny child… or a drunken, grief-stricken father who strikes a crying toddler. I do not know if the mother of this child forgave the man who slapped him. But I do know that her failure to do so will gnaw at her for years to come.
And so we are left to think about our own lives. A pastor friend of mine commented recently that there had been times in his life when he wished someone would have actually punched him in the nose rather than deliver a hurtful comment. We can probably all relate to that. Words can truly pierce our hearts. Unkind gestures, physical abuse and neglect, deception and betrayal are all despicable behaviors…but a hateful comment or personal rejection often seems far more painful to endure.
Yet the real damage to our souls comes from our own unforgiveness. Whether the “perpetrator” asks for it or not… we must listen to Jesus and find a way to forgive this person in our heart. In order to be whole…complete in Jesus… we must forgive as He did. Surely no one has endured more insult or injury than Jesus did on the cross…yet, in Him we find the perfect model of forgiveness. Jesus is not asking us to condone mistreatment… He is showing us another way to consider it. So while I am still outraged that a man would slap a 19-year-old baby on an airplane, I am asking God to give me a sense of mercy and compassion for his struggles and the horrific experiences that could lead him to do such a thing. He will now spend eight months in prison – and a lifetime afterward – considering his misdeeds…and for his heartaches and miseries, I believe Jesus wants us to be concerned.
I would be lying if I told you that forgiveness is easy for me. I have a feeling that if we were totally honest, most of us would have to admit that we struggle with this every single day to some degree. But we can get better at it! We can learn to operate more in compassion and less in offense. We must work at “erasing the debt” in our heart and offering mercy to the other guy… even when we would rather not – or maybe especially then!
Search your heart today and make a mental list of people and situations you need to see in a different light. Ask God to give you a healthy dose of compassion… to strengthen you and shield you as you release your grip on the other guy’s throat (if only figuratively) and start to strengthen your grasp on His hand. I assure you that I will be doing this, also. I am trusting God to show me how to forgive others completely…and to experience His wholeness in the process. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Shack ~ http://www.theshackbook.com/
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2013
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life would be so much easier if we never had personal disagreements. Unfortunately, we’re all human… and things will be said and done from time to time that irritate – or even offend – us and/or the other guy. When this happens, the best thing to do is to quickly make amends – or to at least try. Sadly, even when we apologize for our part in a misunderstanding, the other party may refuse to offer forgiveness.
I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about God holding a grudge against me. If I genuinely and humbly ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that! He doesn’t refuse to speak to me, or ignore me in public or on social media. He would never fail to answer or return a phone call. He continues to offer me grace and mercy… even when He feels I don’t deserve it. I can count on God to always love me… and to cast my sins as far as East is from West - if I only ask Him to do so.
We really have no control on how another person treats us. It’s pretty much up to him/her to decide whether to offer us grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We certainly cannot count on these gifts, because no human can love us like Almighty God. But if we want to be a disciple of Christ… if we want to operate in the love of Jesus…we must make a concerted effort to forgive others as God forgives us. So while you cannot control the grudges others may hold against you…resentments, bitterness, and hatred have no business being a part of your makeup.
The next time you find yourself operating in a spirit of unforgiveness… whenever you feel bitterness, anger, resentment, or ill will creeping into your life… think of God and how He offers us immeasurable grace and mercy – even when we don’t deserve it. Then forgive whoever has offended you. Do this to honor God – and for yourself - even if the other guy never admits his/her part in the offense. If someone has wronged you and never asks you to forgive him/her, do it anyway. Joyce Meyer and others have characterized unforgiveness as spiritual poison. Do not allow this destructive tool of the devil to be present in your life for a single minute!
At the end of the day, we are responsible only for our personal behavior. To fail to forgive another person when God has so generously forgiven us would be incredibly hypocritical. I urge you to talk to God… tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for any spirit of unforgiveness you have toward others… and thank Him for such a generous pardon when we acknowledge our own faults and shortcomings. Thank God for the incredible gifts of His grace and mercy… and trust Him to always be available to answer your call.
©2013 Debbie Robus
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life would be so much easier if we never had personal disagreements. Unfortunately, we’re all human… and things will be said and done from time to time that irritate – or even offend – us and/or the other guy. When this happens, the best thing to do is to quickly make amends – or to at least try. Sadly, even when we apologize for our part in a misunderstanding, the other party may refuse to offer forgiveness.
I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about God holding a grudge against me. If I genuinely and humbly ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that! He doesn’t refuse to speak to me, or ignore me in public or on social media. He would never fail to answer or return a phone call. He continues to offer me grace and mercy… even when He feels I don’t deserve it. I can count on God to always love me… and to cast my sins as far as East is from West - if I only ask Him to do so.
We really have no control on how another person treats us. It’s pretty much up to him/her to decide whether to offer us grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We certainly cannot count on these gifts, because no human can love us like Almighty God. But if we want to be a disciple of Christ… if we want to operate in the love of Jesus…we must make a concerted effort to forgive others as God forgives us. So while you cannot control the grudges others may hold against you…resentments, bitterness, and hatred have no business being a part of your makeup.
The next time you find yourself operating in a spirit of unforgiveness… whenever you feel bitterness, anger, resentment, or ill will creeping into your life… think of God and how He offers us immeasurable grace and mercy – even when we don’t deserve it. Then forgive whoever has offended you. Do this to honor God – and for yourself - even if the other guy never admits his/her part in the offense. If someone has wronged you and never asks you to forgive him/her, do it anyway. Joyce Meyer and others have characterized unforgiveness as spiritual poison. Do not allow this destructive tool of the devil to be present in your life for a single minute!
At the end of the day, we are responsible only for our personal behavior. To fail to forgive another person when God has so generously forgiven us would be incredibly hypocritical. I urge you to talk to God… tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for any spirit of unforgiveness you have toward others… and thank Him for such a generous pardon when we acknowledge our own faults and shortcomings. Thank God for the incredible gifts of His grace and mercy… and trust Him to always be available to answer your call.
©2013 Debbie Robus
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