Forgiving A Believer
By Jean A Sturgill | September 7, 2010
I have known folks that made big mistakes in their lives. They changed. In some cases they came to know the Lord after their mistake. We can see the change. It makes forgiving them easier.
When a believer stumbles, we are often not so quick to forgive even when we know it is real. Why is that? Do you know?
We all make mistakes. The hardest thing for folks is to accept when they make a really big mistake is that their families don’t trust them any more. This is often very hurtful to them. On the one hand, they understand why. Nevertheless, they hurt because forgiveness eludes them.
The main reason we do not forgive believers as easily when they fail is because how deeply they’ve hurt us. Often we are afraid they will continue to hurt us. Although we may expect a nonbeliever to behave badly, we hold believers to a higher standard.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22
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.
Matthew 6:14-15
We know that we are supposed to forgive. Could it be that we don’t forgive because we don’t let go of it? We refuse to let God take care of it. Perhaps we even feel we lose when we forgive. Maybe we think we have not made the other person pay enough.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:19-21
I have a favorite expression when I think someone has done me wrong. I simply remember, “God saw it!” When I remember that God saw it, I also know that I do not have to fix it. God will take care of it in His timing.
I challenge you today. The next time someone does something that you don’t like, don’t get mad. Just remember, “God saw it!” Then let God deal with it. Let that be one less thing on your to do list!
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:3
Today’s challenge is to ask God to show you who you need to forgive. Ask God to help you let go of old hurts. Trust God to take care of new issues as they arise. Forgiveness is not only a question of obedience, but unforgiveness really is a very heavy load to carry. Ask God to show you how to let go of it.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
Topics: Learning to Walk, Marriage, Family & Relationships | Leave a Comment »
3 Reasons Believers Stumble
By Jean A Sturgill | September 6, 2010
When we were in New Hampshire in 2001, I frustrated many a driver as I walked to the curb and stopped to look around. You see, in New Hampshire there is a law that drivers must stop for pedestrians.
Ignorance causes a lot of confusion. I was knowledgeable of the law, but ignorant of where I was going. My stopping at the curb to look around could not be helped. The drivers, on the other hand, were ignorant of my ignorance.
Judging by all the horn blowing, I’d have to say that neither of us thought ignorance was bliss.
If I had been armed with more knowledge of the area, I would have known the truth about what was waiting for me around the corner. When it came to riding around in the area, I had a wonderful guide. She was the wife of a man my husband knew. She volunteered her time to show me around.
Three main reasons believers stumble in their walk with the Lord is because of their lack of knowledge of the Bible, their lack of relationship with the Lord, and their lack of faith.
Believers sometimes stumble simply because they do not know of a passage of scripture in the Bible that has the answer they need. Stopping on the corner to look around at the unknown was frustrating. Living without the knowledge that God intended for you to have is also frustrating. We need to spend more time in the Word.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1 Peter 2:2
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14
Believers sometimes stumble because they do not have a relationship with Jesus. My guide in New Hampshire knew what was in the area and had all the answers to where I wanted to go. In life, Jesus has the answers to where we need to go.
Believers sometimes stumble because of a lack of faith. When that wonderful lady acted as my guide, I had to trust her enough to let her be my guide. When we depend on Jesus, He will open and shut doors of opportunity for us. We win when we trust Jesus enough to let Him make the decisions for us.
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Luke 17:5
If the apostles – who could see and touch Jesus – needed a little more faith, surely we could all use a little more faith.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:3
Today’s challenge is to spend more time with Jesus. Spend more time in the Word, and spend more time building your faith. Pray about that challenge the Lord has put before you. Ask God what He wants you to do, and then boldly step out in faith. While you are asking for yourself, please remember those that are young in the faith, and pray for them to have more faith. Ask God to show you how you can be an encouragement to them.
Topics: Fundamentals, Learning to Walk | Leave a Comment »