6 Weeks 'Til Christmas

Goal: Forgive

In John 8, while Jesus was teaching to a crowd at the Mount of Olives, the religious leaders dragged an adulterous woman in front of the crowd to test His philosophies. The law of Moses said to stone her, but they wanted to know what Jesus would say instead. Here it is, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" After He said that, all of the accusers slipped away one by one until it was only Jesus and the adulterous woman left in the middle of the crowd. He asked her, "Whare are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" "No Lord", she said. Then Jesus said (I love these words!), "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." Now THAT'S forgiveness!

So most definitely... Jesus forgave while He was on this earth, but of course, that hasn't stopped and won't ever stop! If we were made in the image of God, we should practice forgiveness as well. For it says, "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15) And it says again in Colossians, "You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."(vs. 13) I know this can be a hard concept to grasp... especially because I know many of us have been deeply hurt or offended in this life, BUT God's word says that we MUST, or are obligated to, make allowance for each other's faults. It's not an option... it's a commandment.

So this week.... be like Jesus and forgive! Search your hearts and ask God to reveal to you who you need to offer forgiveness. Remember.... forgiveness is not forgetting what happened or acting like it never happened, but it's the first step to relieving your heart of bitterness and anger. If you are still hurt, after you take the step to forgive, this is when the Holy Spirit will finally kick in and start the healing process. But first.. you must let go and forgive.

I am here for anyone specifically who needs prayer in this area. Honestly. =) This can be a hard thing to do, but again, but it's not an option and we are supposed to live like Jesus. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

I love you all! Sorry this is late and have a great week! =)