July 19 Forgiveness Ephesians 4:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Recently, one individual felt compelled to share his displeasure with the Morning Devotions that I write and post, and the concept that Jesus is the only way to salvation and to Heaven. He continued to share his displeasure with the “Church,” in general, and the hypocritical nature of the attitudes and actions of many, including me! Well sir, my human nature wanted to “get even,” and to “teach this misguided and possessed individual a lesson!” The Holy Scriptures record the words of Jesus that instruct us to “Forgive” one another, and there are no cavoites or exceptions to this command! Again, in our human nature, we think that getting even will restore our “wholeness!” No wonder, that Evil and Evil Doers, are absolutely opposed to the radical offering of Jesus Christ. Jesus instructs us to have an attitude of forgiveness and to become “Christ-Like,” in all of our encounters. This world, and the Evil that exists, will continue to throw punch after punch, with the express purpose to shake our faith and our commitment to Christ! Being Christ-Like, we have a special anointing that comes from God’s Love and the Precious Shed Blood of Jesus Christ, and the gift, empowers us to Love and to Forgive! Love and Forgiveness are special attributes of the Christian, and we must live out these blessings, in everything that we do! Remember, regardless of what has happened to you, and regardless of who has hurt you, FORGIVENESS is REQUIRED, FORGIVENESS is a MUST, for your GROWTH and your being truly “CHRIST-LIKE!” If you do not FORGIVE others, how can you expect to be FORGIVEN? FYI… I told this man that I was praying for him and that he was correct. In my humanity, I am a sinner, just like everyone, but because of Jesus, I am made acceptable in the eyes of God, through His Holy Son. Since he didn’t cause me to lash out at him and he didn’t achieve his intended goal, he walked away, mumbling, “I don’t care if you are praying for me…!” God told us that Evil will attack, then attack some more and once that attack in over, Satan will regroup and attack some more! NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! FORGIVE…