Thursday, May 22, 2008
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a very complex word. It is understood in many ways by different people and most often we hear phrases like "Forgive and Forget". Sometimes it gets so overused it loses it's very essence and meaning that it becomes just another word used to sweep things under the carpet in order to move on with life.I admit I am guilty of doing that once in a while as well, but what really is Biblical Forgiveness?
For one, We know that God's forgiveness is unconditional.
We have to forgive the people who’ve hurt us, and it has nothing to do with whether or not that person deserves forgiveness. They don’t deserve forgiveness, but then, we don’t deserve it either.
We forgive those who’ve hurt us because God forgives us for how we’ve hurt him. To be honest, the reason we often have a hard time forgiving others is because we don’t feel forgiven ourselves.
Forgiveness also means we need to do something abt it!
The Bible teaches three things that are essential to resume a relationship that has been broken: repentance, restitution, and rebuilding trust.
Forgiveness is also NOT abt forgetting what’s happened.
The only way you can forget something is to actually refocus on something else.
And that is focusing on how God takes the bad and works it out "for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose …" (Romans 8:28, NLT).
Lastly, why must we forgive?
Carrying a grudge just keeps us stuck in the past, and when we’re stuck in the past, we’re controlled by the past. Our unforgiveness can control us. The Bible says, "Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple" (Job 5:2 NLT).
The Bible also says that only the foolish harbor a grudge (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Accept forgiveness from God and give forgiveness to others.
I do not want to be controlled by my past, therefore I will forgive and learn to focus on GOD.
Yes, they do not deserve my forgiveness, but neither do I deserve God's forgiveness!
How great it is to know that despite our sinfulness, God has chosen to forgive us and love us as his very own. Truly, we worship and praise a great, loving and merciful God!
Posted by [DoNuT]® at 3:26 PM
Letting go and Forgiving...
I've been receiving devotionals in my mailbox and I found the past 2 days devotion material really applicable in my life. I believe that this may be a constant struggle for many of us and it is truly important that we keep reminding ourselves to Let Go and Let God.2 days ago, the title of the devotion was "How to Let Go of Past Hurts" by Rick Warren
[Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Romans 12:19 (NLT)]
So how do we do that? The article continues explaining:
First, relinquish your right to get even. Leave that up to God; he’ll take care of it (Romans 12:19). I’ve been married for thirty years and I’m ashamed to say, I’ve hurt my wife many times. But after thirty years, we’re still together and more in love than ever before. Why? Because it’s not hurt that destroys relationships, it’s an unwillingness to forgive. We’re human; we’re going to hurt each other. But the question is, will you give up your right to get even? And will you offer forgiveness? When you do, any hurt can be overcome.
Second, respond to evil with good. How can you tell when you’ve released somebody, when you’ve completely forgiven them? You can actually pray for God to bless the person who hurt you. The Bible says we should overcome evil with good, praying for those who hurt us (Romans 12:21; Matthew 5:44).
Third, repeat these steps as long as necessary. Forgiveness is rarely a one-time shot. When somebody hurts you, we tent to think about it over and over and over. How often do you have to forgive the person? The Apostle Peter once asked Jesus, "‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’" (Mathew 18:21-22 NIV). In other words, it needs to be continual, limitless; we shouldn’t even try to count the times we forgive, just as Jesus doesn’t count the times he forgives us.
Fourth, begin telling others about God’s forgiveness. The Bible says, "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, "Be reconciled to God!" (2 Corinthians 5:19-20 NLT).
Our lives are supposed to filled with Joy and Love for others instead of hurt and pain, at least that was what God intended it to be! So let's remember to forgive, let go and let God!!!
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Posted by [DoNuT]® at 3:13 PM
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
God amazes me...
Isn't it amazing how God works in one's life?We often think we know better, we can deal with it, but how can we do anything without God?
I guess it all boils down to obedience.
If you're looking for Love, God is Love.
If you're uncertain, look to God.
If you're upset, find joy in the Lord.
If you're lost, leave it to God.
If you're happy, thank God.
God never fails us, never fails to love us unconditionally and reserve the very best for us.
It is only when we trust Him and love Him, that we can truly become more like Him.
And that's when God is free to work in our lives and give us the most amazing surprises you would have never expected.
I've found mine. Have you?
Posted by [DoNuT]® at 10:31 PM
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
i like this picture. it's so funny! =p Also becos i took it. heh...
eileen