Meeting The Hurt You Never Deserved!#
Every man should have a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends. ~ Henry Ward Beecher
Hating someone, holding an offense, harboring a grudge are all steel bars that contribute to an inner jail, the bondage of the soul.
Such attitudes issue in a joyless life and sour speech. Often an unforgiveness deposits a root of bitterness that claims a man from the inside out. Sorrow, anger, resentment and strife occupy the same cell.
Bitterness is fed by a proud spirit, that keeps scores and plots revenge. The end state becomes far worse than the first, as offended feelings gather and control us, thus we no longer can control them.
Consider these words from the lips of our Lord:
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)
In Jesus' first sermon He taught virtue, and very plainly to boot:
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. (Matthew 6:14-15)
The Apostle Paul placed forgiveness in a slightly different context:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
And, likewise a very similar thought:
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)
It is far easier to speak up about forgiveness than it is to exercise forgiving; yet always choose to forgive. Today needs it, but tomorrow forever depends upon it.
Today's Soul Snippet:
'A ministry that is college-trained but is not spirit-filled works no miracles.' ~ Samuel Chadwick
#Today's SoulSnack is written by Rev. Len Kingston contains SoulSupply additions