Forgiveness is a choice. It isn't always an easy choice especially when you have in reality been done wrong or were mistreated. Although it is a choice, it is not an option. Jesus was very serious about the matter of forgiveness. He put much emphasis and importance on it. He told His disciples to forgive the person and the offense that was done against them not once or twice or even ten times, but to forgive seventy times seven.
You may protest or argue that this requirement of Jesus is unjust or unfair. You may try to excuse your unforgiveness based on what was done to or against you. You may say to Jesus, "You don't know what was done to me. If You did You would understand and not require me to forgive them".
May I response to that? Are you forgetting who you are talking to? The Jesus who said, "Forgive them", is the same Jesus that was beaten with a whip unmercifully, betrayed by friends, lied about in "court", mocked, rejected, ridiculed by the religious (church) people, put to an open shame, innocent but charged as guilty, falsely accused, treated like a common criminal, had nails hammered into His hands and feet, hung on a wooden cross and left to die. Yet, He cried out-- "Father, forgive them". Forgive my oppressors. Forgive my executioners. Forgive those who lied about Me. Forgive the jeering crowd. Forgive those who held the whip. Forgive those who crucified Me. Forgive them.
Even today He is still offering forgiveness to those who rejected Him. He is offering forgiveness to those who curse Him, blaspheme Him, rebel against Him, slander Him and hated Him. Yes, forgiveness is importance to Him. He not only continues to forgive us but He is still saying to us today--- forgive. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you". Ephesians 4:32
Have a great day. Jesus knows what it is like to be mistreated and yet He still forgives... and He requires the same from you.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
No comments:
Post a Comment