Thinking about forgiveness
Ken Lawrence | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 years, 5 months AGO
Nations rage, political leaders rage, drivers rage, spouses rage, and all involved are deeply hurt in this process.
“Why do the nations rage and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying, Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” Psalms 2:1-3.
With people in turmoil around the globe, and with hurt feelings abounding, it would be a good time to follow the example of Jesus, who made it His practice to forgive those who wronged Him You may have serious problems in your life caused by others that can only be healed when you forgive the one or ones involved.
Jesus taught His followers to turn the other cheek when they were being mistreated, and even spoke forgiveness from the cross. You may be hurting, not only because of what has been done to you, but because of your inability to forgive those who have hurt you.
Your unforgiveness hurts you more than it hurts the person you need to forgive. Unforgiveness is like a cancer that can eat you alive.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us that we would be forgiven in the same way that we forgive others. You can find a new freedom in your life if you will forgive those who have hurt and wronged you.
Some people treat us wickedly, and while you may in a tough situation need to remove yourself from continual hurt, you will still need to practice forgiveness.
The other person’s problem is not our main problem, but our problem is our reaction to their problem.
Make it a way of life to forgive people around you who have wronged you and you will experience a peace and usually see a difference in the life of the one you have forgiven. Have a great summer and expect great things from the Lord.
ARTICLES BY KEN LAWRENCE
Thank you, believers
A tremendous thank you for all of your involvement this past year as we (Christians) have labored together to proclaim the Kingdom of God in North Idaho. We serve a mighty God, who is good to us all the time. As we enter the new year 2018, we face a changing world, causing fear for some and for many a time of great hope. The Lord continues to bless us and do great things in the lives of people in our region. We have been called to proclaim renewal, revival, and transformation in our areas of influence. We want to rely more and more on the finished work of Christ on the cross and the indwelling power of Holy Spirit to prepare us for continued ministry. We continue to be amazed at the cross-section of people who come through Bonner County and are touched by the word and ministry available in our area. We encourage you to support solid local churches and ministries as well as missionaries, evangelists, etc. who are literally touching the world and speaking directly into our community through conferences and events.
The power of the resurrection
As I was reading the 24th chapter of Luke to prepare my remarks for this column, I decided to change the order of the verses for emphasis. Beginning at the last half of verse 6 from the NLT, we read “remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man (a title Jesus used for himself) must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified.” This is In reference to the death of Christ that many Christians around the world are remembering today. This year the Jewish people are celebrating Passover, beginning at sundown tonight. This is a foreshadowing of the blood of Jesus delivering believers from death into life.
Thinking about forgiveness
Nations rage, political leaders rage, drivers rage, spouses rage, and all involved are deeply hurt in this process.