Ridgell's Originals

^{Here are a couple of excerpts from my latest book Wounds into Scars.}

^{This is from the Section Forgiveness Is Not an Option.}

¹⁴ For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

                                                                                                Matthew 6:12-15

It does get any plainer that this.  But here is a word to the struggler about extending forgiveness.  You will have people sin against you.  Gossip.  Anger.  Unloving and unforgiving Christians.  You must forgive them.  It is acceptable to have a conversation about what they are doing to you.  But you must forgive.  It is not about whether they ask, or even deserve, forgiveness.  It is not about playing God.  His forgiveness is a whole different matter.  You can only control your confession and repentance.  

Forgive if you want to be forgiven.

And each section has a word for those helping the struggler.

How do you feel about the struggling sinner among you?  Do you want them to heal?  Will you acknowledge God’s forgiveness in their lives?  Will you forgive?  Can you get past the judgmental attitude?  Will you hold their sin/s over them?  Is your forgiveness conditional?  Are sinners welcome in your church?  Are sinners welcome in your life? 

Of course, I am talking about confessional, penitent sinners.  Yes, consequences will still have to be managed and dealt with.  You can express frustration, hurt, disappointment.  But love, forgiveness, acceptance must be experienced. 

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM