Forgiveness

This weeks topic is going to focus on forgiveness. Today, I am going to show you a passage written by Doug Herman titled Forgiveness, this passage is taken out of the book "Can you Handle the Truth???" by Phil Chalmers.

"Have you ever been betrayed? Have you ever been stabbed in the back with a dagger with the word saint inscribed on it? Well I have. It happened in a place and time that I least expected. I was a youth pastor of a church in the Denver area and enjoyed spending my life with the sixty teens in the youth group. I also enjoyed coaching wrestling at a nearby high school. One day the senior pastor walked into my office, closed the door, and had a seat. I was completely unaware of the events that were about to unfold. 'Doug,' he began, 'the church board met last night. Your last Sunday is in two weeks.'

I was stunned. I asked if I was being dismissed because of a lack of performance or as a disciplinary action or because they perceived I had a moral problem.

'No,' he answered.

I then asked if it was because of my wife and daughter's HIV infection-contracted from a blood transfusion.

Again, he said no.

'Then why?' I asked.

'God just told us you need to leave.'

Yes, I've removed my dagger from my back. Two years later I found out that it was indeed based on my wife and daughter's infected. Was I angry? You bet. Was I bitter? For awhile. and did I ever forgive them? It took time, but yes, I did.

You see, sometimes we experience hurt from others when we are not at fault. 'They should ask me for forgiveness!' I screamed.

But in quiet moments, I could hear Jesus whisper, 'I didn't do anything wrong either, and I forgave. Now will you follow My example?'

Forgiving wasn't easy. But it really wasn't for them; it was for me. I was amazed by the freedom I felt. I was released from my ugly passion and hatred.

One of the main reasons I can laugh, love, and enjoy life is because I've learned the power of forgiveness. I forgave the blood donor who lied on his donor form about his sexual past-ultimately infecting my wife and daughter with a deadly disease. And I forgave the church that rejected us when we needed them most. And through it all, God has brought healing.

If you have ever been hurt, and you hold the controls of anger and vengeance, you can find release today by forgiving your offender first. It's amazingly freeing-and it's free.

What does God say???

What does it mean to forgive? Webster's online dictionary says it is 'to cease to feel resentment against an offender, to grant relief from payment of a debt, to pardon.' Everyone has feelings that come and go-and we certainly need to forgive when we feel hurt, but to pardon someone from a debt is powerful! As we meditate on the true meaning of forgiveness, let's look into God's Word and see what the Creator has to say.

What does God say about forgiving those who offend or deeply hurt us?

'If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.' -Matthew 6:14-15

'Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.' -Colossians 3:13

How can we apply forgiveness from God in areas where we've sinned? And will He forgive?

'Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.' -Psalm 103: 2-3

'If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.' -1 John 1:8-9

'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.' -Hebrews 8:12

How does this affect me???

Realizing that God will forgive you when you sin is vital. If you didn't know that, today is a wonderful day for you! Regardless of what you've done, God offers you a new start. Ready to begin afresh? Confess your faults, ask for his forgiveness, and enjoy a new life wiped clean by the Creator's compassion.

If you're holding a grudge against someone, today is the day to forgive. It's not easy, but it will do your soul good. When you forgive others, God can forgive you (see Mark 11:25). Go out of your way to meet with your offender and share your forgiveness. the person may receive it or reject it-but doing the right thing will set you free.

Doug Herman is the founder of Pure Revolution. Check out www.PureRevolution.com . "

What do you get out of Doug Herman's passage? Is God speaking to you? Check back tomorrow for another entry on forgiveness and how it can change your life. :)

God bless you,

Hollianne