Forgiveness

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Forgiving is hard, one of the hardest things I have had to learn.

Your child is dishonest; a friend betrays you; your boss criticizes you in front of others; your spouse lies or has an affair. Whats the result? Anger, resentment, overall emotional pain. And if we aren’t careful, the pain and anger will give way to resentment and bitterness, eventually destroying us if we won’t let go and forgive. I know I have been there and gone through that!

True biblical forgiveness involves applying the grace and forgiveness we receive from Christ to those who have hurt us. Forgiveness frees both the unforgiven and the unforgiving. Though trust and confidence take time, when we genuinely seek out and act upon forgiveness, we allow for healing and provide the foundation for reconciliation in the relationship. When you forgive, you grow in love. You build trust and create opportunities for healing. Healthy relationships demand forgiveness.

Is there someone in your life you need to forgive today? God’s dream for your life may be hindered by broken relationships. Set aside the offense, show grace and forgive. You’ll be glad you did and you will feel so much better!

Everything begins with God

The proper understanding of everything in life begins w/ God.Noone will ever understand the necessity of conversion who does not know why God created us.He created us "in his image" so that we would image forth his glory in the world. We were made to be prisms refracting the light of God's glory into all of life. Why God should want to give us a share in shining w/ his glory is a great mystery. Call it grace or mercy or love... it is an unspeakable wonder.Once we were not. Then we existed for the glory of God!

John Piper, Desiring God