There is no human being who does not deserve our forgiveness. There is
no human being who does not deserve our love. Let us be kind to one
another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God forgives us.
Let us be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
in purity. Let us learn from the following article inspired by the
writings of an unknown author.
One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her
heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and
Savior.
The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and
prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on, she
became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved
in the ministry, teaching young children.
Before long this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of
the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding
plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the
church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable
for a pastor's son.
The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to
have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions
increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young
woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her
past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not
bear the pain it was causing his wife-to-be. He began to speak and his
statement was this:
"My fiancée's past is not what is on trial here. What you are
questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today
you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or
not?"
The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been
slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a
weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very
foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood
of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot
cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of
trouble.
What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! "Cast your
burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you. He shall never suffer
the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23
Weak
people revenge; strong people forgive, but intelligent people ignore the
faults of others.
We forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness but because
we
deserve peace.
By Tim Pedrosa
Now playing:
How Great Thou Art
Please note: Use another
browser, like Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, if
you do not hear any sound/music. |
Do
not think of your fault; still less of others' faults. Look for what is
good and strong and try to imitate it. Your faults will drop off like
dead leaves when their time comes. --John Ruskin
|