Its right there in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive me as I forgive those who have trespassed against me.”

Do we all realize that these words are right out of the mouth of God, when He was still of flesh and blood for all to hear. What excuse could we possibly have for continuing to hold anyone in debt when we're forgiven all of ours? I can think of only one excuse possible – terminal stubbornness.

I have found one motivation that can help us all find forgiveness for the most grievous offenses – the fear of the Lord.  This is really important to Him, however we may feel about things.  Nothing can separate us from being conscious of God's ever-present love more than this.

I sat myself down one day and took a written inventory of all my resentments against all the people, institutions, places, and even God that I’ve collected over the years with the sole purpose of pleasing the Lord and being rid of them, with His help.

I’m sure my parents started out meaning well, just as I did. Now it is time for me to release them from every failure registered deep within my heart and my memory. Then there’s those kids in my youth with whom I have less than fond memories. I mean the one’s who made my youth and adolescence miserable and brought me to tears so often. For the Lord’s sake their slate must be wiped clean.

Then there’s the ex-wife or perhaps we may have an ex-husband, and now it's time to take responsibility for that relationship as well. We need to see the forces within us that have blinded us from the truth, and our unwillingness to listen to that voice within saying caution. Their slates too must be wiped clean and be as white with us as the new driven snow.

I, too, am all too familiar with that feeling in the gut when we think of those who have hurt us in the past. Yet, we must remember that it is the past. We must ask God for His divine help to forgive. We must ask for His help to see others from a higher perspective – through His eyes. 

Being free of resentment hasn’t happened for me overnight, but I do think differently of those in my family who are selfish, inconsiderate, judgmental, and hard-hearted. Where there was anger there is now pity and mercy. When I consider the fate of those who have yet to be changed by God, I weep and send my prayers upward with love and genuine concern.

Then there are the Christians who have chosen by choice to live a carnal life. Their behavior is no less wicked than that of unsaved sinners. A carnal Christian will leave wounded fellows along his or her path.  Let us also remember they will have to answer to the Lord for every injury they cause that has not been made right. Therefore, let us not make them answer to us as well, for they too are worthy of our pity and our prayers. 

Yes, our God is full of grace toward us, but He is also a Holy Judge who cannot be deceived. One day we will all have to answer for all we have done. There is nothing more ugly than a Christian who responds to the wrongs of others as the worldly do.

Do we want to see God’s 'yes' to our prayers? Is our relationship to Him important to us, or does pride blind us to our need of Him? 

For me the decision is a simple one. God is my all and all. He is the very ground upon which I walk. My dependency on Him is so complete that when He says to forgive, the only question left is, “Lord grant me the strength from above to bear the iniquities of others, and thank You Lord for bearing with mine.”

Oh, beloved, granting the liberty of forgiveness to others requires great effort, but it’s so worth it. The joy of a peaceful heart – free of strife. How gentle is the soul with a forgiving spirit. How attractive are those who believe and follow the word of God. Some people prefer every type of outward cosmetic. As for me, the beauty of the Son of God is the only real beauty for me, and I’ll accept no Max Factor or Revlon cover up. How about you?


Papa… All of Them

So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
– Acts 16:31 (NKJV)

For those who believe on Messiah Yeshua, Jesus the Christ, there is no greater comfort and peace than knowing our eternal destiny. Now, what about our households – our own families? We all have up (parents), down (children) and sideways (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) households. And though our desire should be for all to know Christ, we should deeply long for the salvation of every member of our family, near and far. 

As far as salvation goes, we live in difficult times, especially here in America. You see, we have come to experience great worldly comfort and affluence here (the poorest Americans are better off than the masses in other countries) and it is easy to simply rely on ourselves. But trusting exclusively on any human (even ourselves) is foolhardy; for everyone is mortal and subject to failure and let us down at any moment. But, believe on Meshiach Yeshua, and we will be saved – not only later on, but now as well!

The best thing anyone can do for a family member is to lead him or her towards the Lord. Notice I said towards rather than TO the Lord. Many times that towards action will, in fact, lead TO a saving knowledge of Christ. 

We might have noticed that those who are closest to us are often the most stubborn and difficult to witness to. They know ALL of our faults and shortcomings and are, therefore, skeptical of our Christian walk. Believers and non-believers are equally human and prone to stumble; the difference is in the eternal final destination. Eternity is a two-class system, and my prayer is that ALL of my family will be in the class that meets in the land of milk and honey – in the very presence of the Lord. 

Today, may we care enough for our household that our lives and our prayers will lead them ALL towards the light.  Amen

[Jesus said,] "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
– John 3:17 (NKJV)


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Please have a blessed day, be hopeful, be encouraged, and know that you are not alone.

”God’s Calling” compiled by A. J. Russell.
”Twenty Four Hours A Day” Hazelton (adapted).
Greg Candelaria writes Papa – All of Them.
Barry Gray writes A Disciple’s Reflections.