FORGIVENESS

Today's topic is one of great importance, as it isone that gives the masses trouble. Jesus asked God to forgive the people who where putting Him to death. Roman Politicians, Jewish Leaders, Soldiers as well as Bystanders. The Romans executed people publicly as examples to the rank and file.

God answered the prayer of Jesus by opening up the way of Salvation even to Jesus' murderers. After the crucifixion of Christ many priest were converted to the Christian Faith. The Gospel, The Good News - is that God is gracious. He will forgive us and give new life through His Son.

"THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS"

1- "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34
2- "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:43
3- Speaking to Mary and John, "Woman, behold, your son!
4-"My God, My God, Why have you forsaken Me? " Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34
5- "I am thirsty."John 19:28
6- " It is Finished." John 19:30
7- "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Luke 23:46

These last words capture the last moments of all that Jesus went through to gain our forgiveness.

Desmond Tutu, who led the nation of South Africa through a national process of Forgiveness and Reconciliation, put it well: "Forgiveness and being reconciled are not about pretending that things are other than they are. It is not patting one another on the back and turning a blind eye to the wrong."

Forgiveness looks sin in the eye and nevertheless speaks costly words: "I Forgive You."

Keeping a record of sins (or holding a grudge) is like building a wall between you and another person, and it is nearly impossible to talk openly while the wall is there. God doesn't keep a record of our sins; when He forgives, He forgives completely, tearing down any wall between us and Him. Therefore, we fear (revere) God, yet we can talk to Him about anything. When you pray, realize that God is holding nothing against you. His lines of communication are compeletely open.

Being very honest with each other, is there a time when you gave an apology to someone and didn't mean it? Thinking back I can remember a time in my youth, when I had a fight with another boy in school. After the teacher broke up our combat she made us come together again but this time with a apology and a hand shake. Now, at that moment in time all I truly wanted to do was to jump on him again. There was no repentance in my heart nor was my apology heartfelt. Since those days, I've learned to sincerly ask for forgiveness. My Bible says in Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. We truly have an amazing Savior. It truly boggles the mind the things you and I do within our own power, thinking that we are the captains of our own life. How many times have you hurt another and didn't give that incident a second thought? Jesus had compassion, unquestionable love for others, He was very sensitive to the needs of others, He was very sensitive to the needs of others. How does it make you feel when you reflect on the times you did not ask to be forgiven or the many times you didn't forgive someone for hurting you? God graciously accepts us even though we don't deserve it. God forgives us even when we have ignored or rejected Him, we should graciously forgive others. (Genesis 50:20) "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."

God brings good from evil for those who trust Him. Do you trust God enough to wait patiently for Him to bring good out of a bad situations?

Never forget that God can overrule man's evil intentions to bring about His intended results.

Until next Wednesday, practice asking for forgiveness and you forgiving others. Thank you so much for allowing me to share the Word with you.

Jim