Category Archives: Forgiveness

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May 23, 2014

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Bible Stories, Forgiveness, Obedience

Casting Stones

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” …

[Jesus] said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” …

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” [John 8:4-5,7,10b-11 (NIV)]

Because none of the Pharisees or scribes were without sin, none dared to lift a stone against this woman. There was one person present that day, however, who was completely without sin: Jesus. Yet, he didn’t cast a stone; instead, he was filled with mercy. Lack of condemnation on his part, however, doesn’t mean that Jesus condoned or excused her sin; in fact he tells her to sin no more. We must never confuse God’s forgiveness and absolution of our sins with toleration of them.

Lord, remind us all to reflect on our sins before condemning others. May we always remember that you expect us to change our lives and leave our sinful ways so that we can walk in your holy way.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [John 3:17 (NIV)]

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March 22, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness

People Who Live in Glass Houses

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. [Matthew 7:1-2 (MSG)]

Father, thank you for the reminder that the only condemning I should be doing is of me, not of my brothers and sisters. May I always remember that old phrase, “People who live in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones!” Keep me from a critical frame of mind so I always think the best of others, as I hope they do of me.

What we really want is to evaluate those around us with a divine justice, while we want them to evaluate us with a divine compassion. [From “Pieces of Eight” by Sidney Harris]

It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. [Matthew 7:3-5 (MSG)]

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February 3, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love

How Can He Do It?

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. [Psalm 65:3 (NLT)]

It just takes a glance at the newspaper or a few minutes of television to see how absolutely horrific we humans can be to one another. The abuse of power, the exploitation, atrocities, corruption, selfishness, violence and depravity that exist in our world are both overwhelming and depressing. It seems that every day brings another news report that makes me ashamed of being part of the human race. How can we call ourselves “civilized”? That God is capable of repeatedly forgiving the evil mankind regularly recommits is hard to believe. Moreover, that He actually does forgive us our sins is astonishing. I find it absolutely mind-boggling, however, that God hasn’t given up on us in despair. Instead, He sacrificed his son for our salvation. If He hasn’t given up hope in the human race, neither will I.

Thank you, O Lord; we are so unworthy of your love, mercy and forgiveness.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. [Psalm 145:8-9 (NLT)]

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January 20, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Forgiveness, God's Promises

Vengeance is His

As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” [Romans 12:18-19 (GW)]

Sometimes it is so difficult to forgive what seems unforgivable. Lord, don’t let us equate giving our forgiveness with approval of the deed or acceptance of the wrongdoing. Let us equate forgiveness of others with our healing and freedom from the burden of our pain and suffering. Help us to forgive and let go of past hurts. Open our hearts to the promise of a better future, confident that your righteous anger will step in when necessary. Punishment is in your job description; it’s your prerogative, not ours.

I will take revenge and be satisfied. In due time their feet will slip, because their day of disaster is near. Their doom is coming quickly. [Deuteronomy 32:35 (GW)]

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January 11, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Salvation: A New You

FORGIVENESS: AN UNDESERVED GIFT

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [Psalm 103:10-12 (NLT)]

Father of Second Chances, we are sinners and beg your pardon and mercy. Redeemed by your son Jesus Chris, we are grateful for this gift of forgiveness and salvation. Thank you for not tiring of forgiving us time after time. Fill us with your peace and guide us as we meet this day.

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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.