[Faith-talk] FW: [thefamilyoffaith] Lowell Lundstrom - (FORGIVENESS ELIMINATES BITTERNESS)

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "thefamilyoffaith" <TheFamilyofFaith at tampabay.rr.com>
To: <thefamilyoffaith at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [thefamilyoffaith] Lowell Lundstrom - (FORGIVENESS ELIMINATES
BITTERNESS)
Date: 
Fri, 2 Dec 2011 08:33:01 -0500





        
      December 2 - FORGIVENESS ELIMINATES BITTERNESS 

      Sooner or later someone is going to offend you. In Matthew 18:7,
Jesus said it is impossible to live without offenses. Just as surely as a
football player is going to get hit when he steps out on the football
field, you are going to get your feelings hurt while you live in this
world. But even if you are tackled on the football field, you'll be a poor
sport if you get up swinging your fists and shouting in anger. In fact, if
you do, the referee will throw you out of the game. The Bible says you
should expect to get emotionally bumped now and then, and you should
forgive whoever hurts you immediately.
      When Christ was crucified, His tormentors gambled over His only
possession, His beautiful seamless robe. When the soldiers cursed Jesus and
rolled their dice, and the crowd milled around shouting insults, and when
the religious leaders mocked Him, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for
they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). You must do the same.
      If you find it hard to forgive others, try doing this: make a list
of their offenses against you, and then make a list of your offenses
against God. After comparing lists you'll find that your sins against God
are much greater than their offenses against you. As you realize how much
God has forgiven you, you will find it easier to forgive others.
      It is important to forgive the offender as soon as possible. The
longer their offense has a chance to harden your heart and eat away at your
mind, the more difficult it is to forgive. (Your mind has a way of
justifying your actions to itself.) Say out loud, "Because God forgives me,
I forgive you."
      This is the way to heal all the bumps and hurts we get while
playing the game of life.
                                                                         
     
      "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they
do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots" (Luke 23:34).
        a.. Also read: Matt. 18:21-35; Luke 6:35-37; 17:3-4 
      

Remember:  FORGIVENESS ELIMINATES BITTERNESS!!
Devotions for yesterday     How to increase your income
Devotions for day before yesterday  Jesus, the Prince of Peace!
      Scripture links by Blue Letter Bible
      (c) Lowell Lundstrom 1983-2011