"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Colossians 3:13 (New International Version)
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
I remember a period of time letting go was unbearable, it seemed like the end of the world. A relationship break up, loosing a friendship, a bitter divorce, you name it I experienced it at one point or another. Last Sunday's Sermon at the church I attend on a regular basis and now actively involved talked about the power of change. The difference in NOT just reading the bible, but to read the bible and putting into practice in what we read.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (New International Version)
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Holding onto a grudge against someone not only unchristian but psychologically damaging as well. It will only fuels the fire, not extinguishing it. Jesus Christ himself, and echoing through the letters written by St. Paul teaches us to Forgive and keep on forgiving not only for the people who have offended us, but we must forgive ourselves. We are forgiven by God through His son Jesus for past, present and future sins.
Matthew 18:21-22
" Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!"
"..Seventy times seven!" Jesus said. That means we must keep on forgiving despite if others don't forgive us.
As I sat during the church service listening to the pastor's sermon, I reflected on the power of change in my life since the beginning when I started going back to church in October of 2006. I thought back to see if I REALLY applied the gospel to my life. I also reflected a little bit on past relationship on how I offended people. One such friendship came to mind. NOT that I can change the past, but that one person, that one friend still holds a grudge, still holds the resentment. After the service I began to cry, Not because of what I did, What I contributed, remember that's the past. I prayed for a day reconciliation, But I am afraid it's too later for that, So I have accepted Our Holy Father's forgiveness and have moved on. I cried because that one person saw me, and moved clear across to the other side of the church preventing to sit with this person's family. It's the reaction, That's a mirror of myself of HOW MUCH damaged I caused to this Person, OF Course "Let things be Tim." I said to myself.
So I PRAYED For God's healing power for this person. Luke 1:37 " For Nothing is Impossible with God."
Just remember KEEP FORGIVING NO matter if the other party refuses to forgive or even acknowledges you. Remember to always pray.
God Bless
Your brother in Christ Jesus
Tim
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