So, as many people already know, I've been holding a certain amount of bitterness toward a certain few people...and as much as I'd love to let it go, it seems like I can't. It hurt me too bad. Well, today I was reading, and this is one of the best forgiveness examples of the Bible that I've seen, which parallels with the ever popular, ever relevant, Jesus dying on the cross for us sinners example...anyway, and i quote, "while they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them."[Acts 7:59-60]
ummm...I know for a fact I would not be asking God to make sure he forgives the people who were stoning me as I spoke. Lord only knows what I'd be saying! But, what love he showed for those people at that moment! He was looking out for the people who hated him...
That's one of the hardest things ever to do--forgive people who aren't sorry, and see no wrong in anything they've done. But, you, me, everybody needs to do it. Jesus did it on the cross for us...forgive them for they know not what they do...it's hard to talk about forgiveness without looking at the ultimate example. Jesus, asking God to forgive the people who hated Him while hanging on a cross, and even going so far as to take the blame for it even though He was perfect. That makes my little issue seem so insignificant, and I should be handing out forgiveness left and right! How many times should we forgive our brother? "And Jesus says, ‘not seven times but seventy times seven’."
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." [Ephesians 4:31-32]
ohh my. That hit the nail on the head for me. And where there is no forgiveness there is a desire for revenge...which is something I am going to have to hit later on! because boyyy has that been a struggle for me here lately!
Anyway, i'm working on it. Getting rid of all the bitterness toward the few said people...because Jesus Christ forgave me.
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Lauren,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I worked with your Mom about 13 years ago at South Aiken Baptist when you were just a little girl. I haven't read all your entries, but you sound like a very mature, Christian young lady. Reading your entry on forgiveness, made me think of this awesome book I read during the summer. I let someone borrow it and want it back so badly. I had highlighted so much in it. It's called the Uncommon Woman by Susie Larsen. She writes and also speaks for Focus on the Family. I tell every woman that I meet to read that book. God will use that in your life. It's so biblical and has some wonderful word pictures. Keep living for Jesus! By the way, tell your Mom I said hello!
awesome!
ReplyDeletethanks : )
ya, i thought i had recognized you...I will have to check on that book though.
I will say hey for you!