January 3, 2016 LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Luke: 7:47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgive little, loves little.”
We would do well to begin 2016 with the truth of this verse in the forefront of our hearts and minds. In this verse we find that there is a connection, or relationship, between love and forgiveness; and quite often this relationship is overlooked. The forgiveness that God has extended us is based on His perfect love for us and His forgiveness is not conditional. In Hebrews 8:12 God declares that He will remember our sins no more, and in Psalms 103:12 we are told that God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. The verse above explains how love and forgiveness are related. Until we realize how great our sin was and how much God has forgiven us, we will not be able to extend forgiveness that is based on love. When we become aware of our own need for forgiveness, we are not so quick to judge others when they sin-after all, who am I not to forgive someone else when I have been guilty of sin myself? When we are forgiven, our heart is softened and we find that, contrary to what many say, extending forgiveness is not difficult. Actually, having a forgiving spirit is part of our new nature, just as God is a God who forgives. And we need to note that the sins of the woman in this verse was guilty of “many” sins; so we must extend forgiveness regardless of how many times someone may have sinned against us. If we do not forgive others, we become imprisoned. Forgiveness is important, as it is part of the reconciliation process, because when we forgive, we are expressing the heart of God and demonstrating His love even in the face of sin. Forgiveness is light overcoming darkness. Somehow, in so much of the church in our culture, there is little said about sin and the need for forgiveness. It seems that we have come to a place where we ignore, or put the issue of sin on the back burner. Thank God that we have been forgiven and born again, but that does not mean that we will never sin again and never be in need forgiveness again-it is possible for us as believers to sin and be in need of cleansing and forgiveness from God and from others. I believe that when we ignore, or choose not to obey what God has said through the scriptures, it is sin on our part. If we are not desiring to live according to the word of God, our hearts should be broken and we should find room for repentance. It is true that we are new creations with new hearts and minds and it is not our nature to sin, but we still have to put on the new person that we are; if not, we walk according to the flesh where sin finds its opportunity. Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Let us begin 2016 by reflecting on the fact that we were once sinners who were bound for hell, but God extended forgiveness to us when we did not deserve it. Realizing our own need for forgiveness will do away with our judging others and will cause us to “love much.” The giving and the receiving of forgiveness is a doorway that leads to the very heart of God. Finally, if we allow ourselves to sin against God or another person, let us be quick to confess our sin and turn form it. May 2016 be a year when we see God moving amongst His people: purifying and preparing us for the advancement of His kingdom-and may “His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Mathew 6:14: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
Blessings,
Buddy
Luke: 7:47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgive little, loves little.”
We would do well to begin 2016 with the truth of this verse in the forefront of our hearts and minds. In this verse we find that there is a connection, or relationship, between love and forgiveness; and quite often this relationship is overlooked. The forgiveness that God has extended us is based on His perfect love for us and His forgiveness is not conditional. In Hebrews 8:12 God declares that He will remember our sins no more, and in Psalms 103:12 we are told that God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. The verse above explains how love and forgiveness are related. Until we realize how great our sin was and how much God has forgiven us, we will not be able to extend forgiveness that is based on love. When we become aware of our own need for forgiveness, we are not so quick to judge others when they sin-after all, who am I not to forgive someone else when I have been guilty of sin myself? When we are forgiven, our heart is softened and we find that, contrary to what many say, extending forgiveness is not difficult. Actually, having a forgiving spirit is part of our new nature, just as God is a God who forgives. And we need to note that the sins of the woman in this verse was guilty of “many” sins; so we must extend forgiveness regardless of how many times someone may have sinned against us. If we do not forgive others, we become imprisoned. Forgiveness is important, as it is part of the reconciliation process, because when we forgive, we are expressing the heart of God and demonstrating His love even in the face of sin. Forgiveness is light overcoming darkness. Somehow, in so much of the church in our culture, there is little said about sin and the need for forgiveness. It seems that we have come to a place where we ignore, or put the issue of sin on the back burner. Thank God that we have been forgiven and born again, but that does not mean that we will never sin again and never be in need forgiveness again-it is possible for us as believers to sin and be in need of cleansing and forgiveness from God and from others. I believe that when we ignore, or choose not to obey what God has said through the scriptures, it is sin on our part. If we are not desiring to live according to the word of God, our hearts should be broken and we should find room for repentance. It is true that we are new creations with new hearts and minds and it is not our nature to sin, but we still have to put on the new person that we are; if not, we walk according to the flesh where sin finds its opportunity. Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Let us begin 2016 by reflecting on the fact that we were once sinners who were bound for hell, but God extended forgiveness to us when we did not deserve it. Realizing our own need for forgiveness will do away with our judging others and will cause us to “love much.” The giving and the receiving of forgiveness is a doorway that leads to the very heart of God. Finally, if we allow ourselves to sin against God or another person, let us be quick to confess our sin and turn form it. May 2016 be a year when we see God moving amongst His people: purifying and preparing us for the advancement of His kingdom-and may “His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Mathew 6:14: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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