August 2006
Matthew 6:14-15 – For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Unless you have forgiven others for the sins they commit against you, you will not be forgiven for the sins you committed.
1. Sadly, many Christans refuse to forgive. We store unforgiveness in our hearts, tormenting ourselves (with bitterness, anger, and resentment). Many of us hold unto unforgiveness because (1) we want want revenge on those who wronged us; (2) we want to see them ‘pay’ for what they did to us; or (3) we wait for the person (or people) to take responsibility for their actions (via apology). Revenge, ‘payback,’ and waiting for apologies isn’t what God desires of us. God wants us to love others, show mercy to them, and forgive, just as He has done for you.
Your thoughts and perceptions affect the direction of your life. If you think you will never be an overcomer, then your decisions and actions will reflect it. But if you believe you can overcome, then your decisions and actions will follow. The process of change may not be easy (Hebrews 12:1-13), but the thoughts of a renewed and changed mind will keep you focused on achieving what you believe through Christ Jesus (Romans 12:1-2).
You are what you think. In order to change your decisions and actions, you must change your perspective on how you see yourself, your situations, and other events or ‘positions’ that affect them. As you remove negative thoughts and ‘positions’ from your life, you must add positive, affirming thoughts that motivate you to change. Through your knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Bible, and other affirming messages, you can begin the process of possessing the qualities that allow you to be all that God desires for you (Romans 8:29).
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Simon Jackson
Matthew 22:36-40 – Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
We all want to be loved; treated with respect, kindness, and love; be supported in our endeavors; and feel appreciate and understood. In the process of our personal wish list, we must also remember that this is the same list we must use toward others. Just as we want to be loved, we should love others in the same manner:
- We should treat others we the same level of respect, kindness, and love…even greater!
- We should support others and encourage them in their projects, goals, and dreams.
- We should strive to understand and appreciate those around us.
Though the needs of others may differ from our own, it does not negate our responsibility to seek God on ways to meet their needs.
There is more to ‘life’ than pleasing ourselves…
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Sande Hamilton
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