Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 18:18-20
We know that when we invite Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes inside our core and begins to give instructions to our SELF. When two followers of Jesus come together, you will experience a wonderful fellowship because you both have the same Holy Spirit inside of you and will have similar spiritual goals. When you agree to pray together about something, Jesus says it will be done! That's powerful. Then He reminds us that when we gather as Jesus' followers, that He is present because His Spirit is in each one.
I've been in groups that set a chair for Jesus. But whether you acknowledge His presence or not – He's there!
Read Matthew 18:21-35
I'm pretty sure that Peter felt like he was being generous to suggest that he should forgive someone 7 times, but how did Jesus answer him?
Now there is some debate between scholars about whether Jesus said 7 times 70 or 77. Then Jesus told a parable to teach them about forgiveness. What would you say is the main point of the parable?
I believe that Jesus is saying you should forgive others as many times as you desire to be forgiven by God. He has forgiven me for so much, how can I refuse to forgive someone else? But there's also the reminder that if we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us.
So that brings us to the question: What is forgiveness?
Let's start with what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not saying, “That's okay, it didn't really hurt.” Forgiveness is not saying, “That's okay, it doesn't matter what you do to me.” Forgiveness is not saying, “That's okay, I won't ever tell!” Forgiveness is not forgetting what they did. Forgiveness is not obstructing justice!
Forgiveness starts by acknowledging that what was done was hurtful to you. Then, instead of retaliation, you ask your Father to replace your hurt with love that only He can give. And you let Him accomplish the “punishment” or “revenge” upon the other person.
You see, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and loves the other person, too. He will know best how to deal with them. When we release the hurt to God, we set ourselves free to heal. When we refuse to forgive, it fills our lives with a poison that will destroy us. Our focus becomes retaliation and anger. Jesus has a better way!
Is there someone that you need to forgive right now?
In His service, dale
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