Tag: forgiveness

After The Fact

Proverbs 3:5-6

After we’ve made the mistake, then we wish we could have… would have done things differently. Hindsight really is 20/20, because we always see things more clear, after we’ve messed up. Why does it seem so difficult to make the right decision initially, in order to avoid harboring a guilty conscience? Oftentimes, we fall into temptation and error because we temporarily take our focus off pleasing God, in place of satisfying a selfish desire. On the contrary, when we acknowledge God in all our ways, or consult His opinion before making any decision, we will usually choose doing right, over wrong.

It Ain’t My Fault

Jeremiah 31:27-30

In our text, the people of God tried to blame His judgment on them, based on the sins of their fathers. Although one person’s sin does indeed affect the lives of others, according to Scripture, everyone is still held responsible for the sin in their own lives. Be mindful of those you keep company with, and monitor their actions, because their errors and mistakes could possibly affect your life, as well as their own. Also, be certain not to blame others for sin’s you committed, and simply own them. Confess your faults to the Lord, turn away from the mistakes of your past, and allow God to continue working through you progressively.

“Dwell not on the sins of yesterday, rather focus on present-day redemption.” – Ell

Careful Consideration

Jeremiah 9:17-22

As a believer, and faithful follower of Christ, how do you properly treat those whom you love, that have made a habit of committing sin and iniquity? The world teaches that we should judge those who do wrong, and demand the most severe judgment upon them, but should a Christian share like demands with the world? God is love, and He loves those He created, but justice was set in place for all who break the law, commit a crime, or practice sin. The Bible teaches, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”, so all who make a habit of participating in sin activities, will soon receive just wages for doing so.

Knowing that all men are susceptible to error, those who are in God, should always be mindful how they treat people who fall. God the Father is the only judge, and we are to make attempts to restore those who make mistakes, and not sentence them to an eternity in exile, knowing that at any moment, we too can all fall into temptation, so it’s wise to consider that same thought when we think of judging others.

Learn to look beyond a person’s faults, and see their potential submission to God’s will. There was a time, when we too were entangled in an ugly past, but someone prayed for us, and helped bring us into right standing with the Lord. In those moments when you’re itching to call someone out for their faults, consider Jesus hanging, and dying on the cross, for all the wrong you’ve done, and will do during your journey through life.

Unrestricted Love

Luke 6:22-33

One of the things I’ve noticed Christians struggle with most is, loving their enemies. While it’s fairly easy to love those who love you, and do good to them who reciprocate it, Jesus commanded the church to show the same meekness and compassion to their enemies. To the babe in Christ, the concept of loving someone who could care less about your wellbeing can be hard to grasp, but after careful study and meditation on the life Jesus lived on the earth, a greater understanding of love will be revealed.

God loved the world so much, that He gave His best to save it. Jesus loved God’s people to the point He laid down His life, allowed men to scourge, thrash, and mangle His body, so the wages of sin could forever be washed away. During the time when Jesus gave this message in our text, the Jews hated the Romans, because they persecuted and oppressed the people of God. So, it may have seemed strange to hear, “Love your enemies”. The love Jesus referenced wasn’t deep affection, rather the willingness to forgive and possibly influence. The church is commanded to love all men the same, whether they have received salvation or not, because it’s the duty of the believers to win lost souls, not shun them away.

From the Old Testament to the New, the focus of those who walk after righteousness is, to compel men to come to God. Daniel 12:3 reads, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

As followers of Christ, the church has been commissioned to love and not hate, reach and not reject, influence and not contaminate, help and not hurt. Just because a man or woman has yet to accept God into their hearts, doesn’t give a believer the right to reject them, because God created them, and loves them just the same. Instead, we should should show sincere love to everyone we meet, especially to those who possibly hate our stinkin’ guts. Always remember, we were once lost in sin, and needed someone to help bring us in. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7).

In conclusion, sow love, even when it’s hard, so that you can reap a harvest of blessings and favor from God, and man.

The Blood

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17; Hebrews 1:1-5

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge us from all iniquity? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What has the power to cover a multitude of faults?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can take away the sting from death, and victory from the grave? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can we depend on, when we need deliverance from struggles? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can give us eternal redemption? The blood of goats, calves, or rams? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can keep us covered, and protected when the death angel passes by? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What gives us the power to overcome the evil one, and his devices? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge our conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

“The blood of Jesus is the life and redemption of the Saints.” – Ell

Oops, My Bad…

Exodus 2:1-10

In the war against evil, believers must remain strong and vigilant at all times, because our adversary, the devil, desires that all who love God, be turned against Him, and he’s literally working overtime to see his dastardly plan be manifested. This is evident today, and was recorded throughout Scripture, as men and women of God had to go against the grain, at times, in order that the greater good be accomplished.

The first and second chapters of the book of Exodus give an example of how God can look past a small error or flaw in the life of a believer, in order that His will be done. After the death of Joseph, and the generation he brought to Egypt, the children of Israel grew more prosperous, and increased abundantly. Unfortunately their increased population in the land wasn’t well received by the new king who arose over Egypt. Rather than appreciate the growth of God’s people, and join with them to fulfill His purpose, the king decided that enslaving them, and afflicting them beyond the norm, would be a wise choice. To his surprise, the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. When God begins to bless you, don’t expect everyone to be happy about it.

The king became grieved with the children of Israel, and commanded the midwives to kill all male newborns, but spare the females. Exodus 1:17 reads, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” It takes deeply rooted faith and trust in God, to willfully go against a higher authority, especially when that authority gives a command to go against God’s authority. The midwives were confronted by the king, and questioned as to why they disobeyed his command. Being stuck between a rock and a hard place, the women embellished a little on the details of their actions. They told the king, the Hebrew women were lively, and delivered the babies before they arrived to assist. I’m not sure what color that lie was, but it was used to protect the lives of God’s people. The following verses read that God blessed the midwives, because they feared Him, but were they blessed for lying? No, they weren’t. God undoubtedly forgave them for lying, but blessed them because they saved the lives of many innocent children. One of those little boys who were saved, was chosen by God, to become great, and eventually lead His people out of Egypt.

“When your motives are righteous, God will bless you.” – Ell

A Right Spirit

Genesis 44:1-13

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ), has done something that required God’s gift of salvation. In fact, simply being born of man’s sinful seed, makes a person sinful by default, and primed for iniquity. But, thanks be to God, for His grace, mercy, and righteousness, we can all be redeemed, and forgiven from our faults.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and showing consistent signs of repentance through one’s lifestyle proves to others, that one indeed has received a right spirit. Many make mistakes, then verbally admit they have changed from the error of their ways, but the real proof of one’s changed heart can be witnessed through how they live on a consistent basis.

God cares for all men, more so for those who diligently seek Him, but He will present opportunities for His people to prove that what they profess is actually truth. An example of this can be seen in the way Joseph tried and tested the hearts of his brethren. While he could have simply greeted his brothers, and told them all that he had gone through, Joseph decided to first make sure his kin folk weren’t still up to evil deeds. God desires to bless all His children greatly, but He will never spoil His gifts on those who will abuse, misuse, or defile His great blessings.

Joseph’s plan was very successful in revealing that the hearts of his brothers were indeed changed, and this was proven by the renting of their clothes, which was the ultimate sign of genuine honesty, sincerity, and deep mourning. Sin has the ability to cause years of hurt, pain, and shame, but forgiveness, coupled with a changed lifestyle, can bring about restoration that can reunite even the most difficult relationships.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Another Story

Genesis 42:6-25

What if, after all God did for Joseph, from keeping him safe in the pit, protected during slavery, appreciated in prison, to becoming ruler over all Egypt, he decided not to forgive his brothers from the way they dealt with him as a child? I strongly believe, there would be an entirely different story written in chapter 42 of the book of Genesis. If Joseph had refused to show kindness to his brothers, their entire family line (with the exception of himself), would have perished in the famine, and this would have no doubt caused major rifts in biblical genealogies, as the sons of Jacob fathered many who were prominent figures in Scripture.

It’s amazing how one sin, can cause a lifetime of trouble. Even in our own lives, I can say with confidence, that if given the chance, there are quite a few choices you would change, without hesitation. Bad decisions have lingering consequences, many of which never seem to go away, so it’s vital that we walk in obedience to God, and avoid making careless mistakes along our journey. God knew that Joseph would forgive his brothers, and supply all their needs, when the time came. This is why he was elevated to 2nd in command in Egypt. God also knows whether we will slip and fall, or stand strong, so He allows, or disallows certain things to happen in our lives as well. Strive to always make wise decisions, and never refuse to show love to your haters, because God allowed you to be blessed, just so you could bless some of them. Don’t take the blessings of God for granted, neither hold grudges against those who’ve caused you grief. Instead, as you have freely received from God, freely give to those in need.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell