Category Archives: Forgiveness

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January 7, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness, Love & Works

Love Isn’t a Feeling: It is a Choice

2014-1-7Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)]

Guide us in our relationships, O Lord. Instead of trying to improve those we love, show us how to be better people ourselves. Remind us daily that love is patient and kind, never vindictive or intolerant. Help us choose to be generous and understanding rather than selfish or indifferent, considerate and respectful rather than insensitive or rude. Let your love lead us to forgive, not blame, and honor, not scorn. Bless the ones we love. Keep us mindful that maintaining any relationship requires a conscious choice and continual commitment if it is going to withstand the challenges of life.

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December 28, 2013

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Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets

Remember When?

Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. I know about my wrongs, and I can’t forget my sin. [Psalm 51:2-3 (NCV)]

As we gather with friends and family over the holidays, we may spend time reminiscing and sharing memories. “Remember when…?” we ask. Sometimes this recollecting causes us to pause and shudder. A memory of a wrong we committed rears its ugly head and we begin to feel shame and guilt. We remember the things we should have done and failed to do and the things we did that we shouldn’t have done but did. We remember harsh words, short tempers, deceitfulness, and other failings. We may remember, but, thank God, He doesn’t! Once forgiven, our sins are also forgotten.

Thank you, Lord, for your loving gifts of forgiveness and forgetfulness. Thank you, Lord, for this coming new year and another opportunity for us to get it right!

I will forgive them for the wicked things they did, and I will not remember their sins anymore.” [Jeremiah 31:34b (NCV)]

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December 26, 2013

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Forgiveness, God's Plan, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets

Let Go of the Past if You’re Going to Reach the Goal

I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. [Philippians 3:12 (NCV)]

It is wise to remember that, no matter how old we may be, we continue to be a work in progress. Our past, no matter how checkered it may be, should never keep us from a future of service and blessings. God doesn’t care about our past. His concern is not where and how we started our lives; his concern is where and how we finish those lives.

The apostle Paul certainly had a troubled history; he had zealously persecuted the early Christians and was even present when Stephen was martyred. Paul, however, never let his past keep him from moving forward to become the man God wanted him to be. He became the greatest Christian evangelist that ever lived. Let’s not forget, God is never finished with us. What plans does He have for you this upcoming year?

Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. [Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV)]

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October 10, 2013

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Forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Wisdom & Guidance

I’m Blessed with a Forgiving God

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. [Psalm 25:6-7 (NLT)]

Oh Lord, forgive me. I don’t even have the excuse of youth for my failings. How many times will I have to make the same mistakes before I finally learn? Be patient with me, Lord, and teach me your way. Thank you for your inexhaustible forgiveness, love and mercy. Fill me with your Spirit and lead me on your path.

The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. [Psalm 25:8-10 (NLT)]

 

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September 14, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Forgiveness

He Doesn’t Keep Score

If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped. [Psalm 130:3-4 (MSG)]

If God doesn’t keep score, how can I? Father, help me wipe away any pain, anger or disappointment still harbored in my heart. May I be as generous with my forgiveness as you are with yours.