Thoughts for Life: The Gift of Forgiveness

Dr. Charles F. Stanley shares with
us about forgiveness in his magazine,
In Touch:

Webster defines gift as "something
given to show friendship, affection,
support, etc."

Using this definition, it seems logical to give gifts only to people we love, not tho those who hurt or abuse us.

Yet Scripture clearly tells us to offer one of the greatest possible gifts—forgiveness—to those who mistreat us.

To forgive means "to give up all claims to punish or exact a penalty for an offense." No strings or conditions can be attached, or else it ceases to be a pardon.

Ephesians 2:8-9 expands on this by contrasting the gift of salvation with works. Neither salvation nor forgiveness can be earned; both must be freely given.

God granted us forgiveness, which we did not deserve and could not earn. And in much the same way, we are to release every offender from any form of penalty.

Unforgiveness is emotional bondage
that consumes minds with memories
of offenses, distorts emotions with
revenge, and fills hearts with churning
unrest.

Its tentacles reach deep into the soul, affecting both spiritual and physical health. But the one who chooses to put on love and offer forgiveness is ready to receive the peace of Christ.

Let God's Word help you release hurt and anger into His caring hands—then watch as vengeful thoughts are transformed into praise and gratitude to the Lord.

Thankfully, the gift of pardon is not something we have to manufacture in ourselves.

This present is wrapped in the love
of God and tied with the red ribbon
of Christ's sacrifice.

It is freely given to us by the Savior, and our job is simply to pass it on to others.

In Touch July 2014 magazine pg.50
Used by permission customercare@intouch.org

(Google images and emphasis added)

Cross is Removed and Believers Burst Into Tears, Sing a Beautiful Hymn

by Lift the Cross of Jesus!
Something to sing about? They did!

Father, I know that Your Word tells me to forgive those who hurt me.

It is in Your ability to enable me to do that, and I ask for the grace to forgive.

I'm willing, but at times, it does seem impossible for me to give the forgiveness You speak of.

Please grant me the grace to trust You to help me forgive others, as you've forgiven me. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 66:16 "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."

Today’s quote: Margaret Feinburg – “Unforgiveness holds us back from fully experiencing God's wonder. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Take fifteen minutes to prayerfully consider any things for which you've had a hard time forgiving yourself. Record them on a blank sheet of paper. Then take a few moments to forgive yourself for each one.

After you forgive yourself, rip up the sheet of paper as a sign of keeping no record of wrongs. Allow yourself to celebrate the forgiveness God offers you through Jesus. You are a wondrous child of God! Spend some time thanking God for the way he created you and the redemptive work he's doing in your life, and walk in the wonder of forgiveness. Wonderstruck

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength as our labors increase

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

Whe we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,

Our God ever yearns His resources to share;

Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;

The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

by Annie J. Flint

Some thoughts today: We need to remember that God will lead and guide us daily through whatever comes our way. Trust Him!

- 1 Tim. 6:6 tells us that "godliness with contentment is great gain."

- It stems from our heart. Is it greedy for more?

24th- Tuesday’s post: #51 The Pentateuch
C. Peter Wagner
26th- Thursday's post: #52 Historical Books
C. Peter Wagner
28th- Saturday's post: Spiritual Blindness
Lorraine Welch
29th- Sunday evening's post: Why Choose Jesus?
Jean Oathout

A popular post: How CAN I forgive?

Jean Oathout shares some thoughts about forgiving those who've hurt us so deeply.
"First of all, WE can't forgive to the point that we let some offense go completely. This is something that only our Creator, Who is the Author of Forgiveness, can help us with, when we turn to Him for help."

Another post of interest: THE POWER OF
FORGIVENESS Mary Southerland shares with us, "True forgiveness always requires sacrifice on our part – a truth that may often seem unfair in human terms.

After all, we are the ones who have been hurt. Why should we have to sacrifice anything?"