In Matthew, 6:14-15, Jesus said "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Unlike a wrestling match, when offenses come, i.e. insults, disagreements or fights, no one gets to tap out, give up or quit.
No one is immune to offenses. Some of us are reluctant to enter relationships because we have been hurt, rejected and abused in the past. Jesus warned his followers of people who would deliberately offend them. Because he was preparing them to function without his human presence, he reminded them they would be mistreated. To comfort them, he promised them a Comforter and peace to overcome those who offended them. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
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We all experience emotional and physical pain differently. We press on daily knowing that Jesus loves us and wants to use our hurt and pain for His glory and to grow strong, mature Christians (I Peter 4:12-13 NIV). We must walk the pathway that Jesus planned for our lives because he promised that there is a blessing in our pain (II Corinthians 4:17).
One evening just before supper, as my father washed his hands in a small washbasin, he asked me if I had fed and watered our farm animals and closed the gate to the fenced area where they were kept. Feeling far too grown as a teenager, I disrespectfully said, "I will get around to it sooner or later." Do you spend a lot of time and energy avoiding or escaping the problems and difficulties in your life? I believe that adversity is such an important part of the human experience that should not be sidestepped because we will miss the experience, knowledge and wisdom it teaches us.
Allow me to give you some valuable keys to life... |
AuthorWords of wisdom to live by from our Senior Leader, Bishop Earnest E. Robinson, Sr. and other guest writers. Archives
July 2021
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