Well, the title is really an oxymoron is it not? We are told by Jesus to forgive as God has forgiven us. Now looking back on my life there are some not so shining moments that God has had to forgive me for. But here's the deal. He won't forgive us unless we ask for it.
At camp this summer the staff used this illustration, "God's forgiveness is a gift. But we have to take it. It's completely free, but he won't force it on us. The way we get this gift is simple, we have to ask for it." That doesn't seem so complicated does it? But how many times do we just think that our mess-ups will automatically be forgiven? Yes, we are saved from Hell as Christians but when we mess up it hurts God. And the last time I checked whenever you hurt someone you need to ask for their forgiveness.
This morning I woke up to a message from someone asking for forgiveness that I never in a million years thought would think to ask for it. In fact, in my mind there was no need for them to even ask for it. In fact, inside I knew it was I who needed to ask in the first place. With that being said, forgiveness was asked for from both parties and honestly it's like a little weight is gone.
1 Thess. 5:12-15: We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
At camp this summer the staff used this illustration, "God's forgiveness is a gift. But we have to take it. It's completely free, but he won't force it on us. The way we get this gift is simple, we have to ask for it." That doesn't seem so complicated does it? But how many times do we just think that our mess-ups will automatically be forgiven? Yes, we are saved from Hell as Christians but when we mess up it hurts God. And the last time I checked whenever you hurt someone you need to ask for their forgiveness.
This morning I woke up to a message from someone asking for forgiveness that I never in a million years thought would think to ask for it. In fact, in my mind there was no need for them to even ask for it. In fact, inside I knew it was I who needed to ask in the first place. With that being said, forgiveness was asked for from both parties and honestly it's like a little weight is gone.
1 Thess. 5:12-15: We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
We cannot neglect the ACT of asking for forgiveness from other people and especially from our creator.
Don't let forgiveness go unspoken.
Live Today.
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