Occasionally I include a note of 'explanation' (further understanding) for the reader. This is such a time. I undoubtedly have said something similar in the past...
If you've read any of my posts you'll see I include a great deal of scripture. Reason and Purpose merge as to my why. Too often we see only opinion presented without any substantiation for the comments and sometimes no indication of the source and their 'expertise'. There has to be some basis that reinforces or provides the foundation for the what and why it is said. Our opinions are ALWAYS based on something: our experiences, what we've read, what our friends think, etc. I want to present a strong foundation for what I say and why. Therefore, I try and provide scripture that reinforces what I am sharing and hopefully... not out of context.
Starting with my 'what'. My What (writing and teaching) inspiration comes from many sources and people. As is readily apparent - the writing is NOT rocket science. Then again... it never was never intended to be. I want to be able to touch people right where they are and what they are experiencing, what I have referred to as 'in the trenches'. I believe there is a vast potential audience and I want to have the opportunity to speak into their lives whether they are a brand new Christian, one who has backslid, or someone who just needs a bit of encouragement. So what I write about are those everyday 'things' that populate our lives. Using scripture provides the reality that the Word is relevant to us today in our lives and how we respond and resolve those issues.
If you also noticed, there are certain subjects (forgiveness, faith, mission, growing in the Lord, etc.) I write about... often. However, it rarely is from the same perspective... it may be a new consideration, or a new layer/depth, or a challenge, or an opportunity, etc. We never totally exhaust all we can learn... or understand in any of the various areas and aspects in our living. 'Fresh' understandings mingle with tried and true answers.
I do hope you are challenged and encouraged by the writing. Do feel free to contact me to begin a dialogue. Iron does sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17) and I am always discovering and sharing, because... we all are a work in progress.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Change #2
I'm not sure change is ever instantaneous. I believe it takes work: commitment, diligence, patience, intentionally, understanding... and a great deal more. Repeating: it takes WORK, especially when you are trying to 'improve' you. And I'm convinced, at least for me, that it is never a 'walk in the park' and can be painful. BUT the rewards are spectacular and on the other side of the change - well worth whatever the perceived cost.
Yes, I do talk about change a great deal... partially because it impacts our lives - DAILY - in so many ways. Sometimes the change is quite subtle, sometimes it's more like an 'in your face'. Regardless, we deal with change every day, in some area, with varying intensity, and with lesser or greater degrees of success. When we try to stand against the change, it's more like running water through one's hand - and you can capture just so much of the water.
Actually... if you know what you typically do when confronted with a challenge, problem, opportunity, wonderings, etc. then this is your default - how you respond. And if your 'default' is prayer and/or scripture then that's a marvelous way of understanding and responding.
"You may make your plans, but God directs your actions." (Proverbs 16:9)
"But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it
to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all." (James 1:5)
"But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle,
and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds;
it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy." (James 3:17)
"If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice
behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
"I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives
me." (Philippians 4:13)
"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God
transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you
will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to
Him and is perfect." (Romans 12:2
So, you can see that scripture does have a response to our need when we turn to discover the best response - and these are only representative, there are many more. You can easily understand that since we are always faced by change. It is always our decision how we respond... but if we have a methodology in place then these changes won't overpower us.
Or... is how you respond to change based on who's in control of the change???
Yes, I do talk about change a great deal... partially because it impacts our lives - DAILY - in so many ways. Sometimes the change is quite subtle, sometimes it's more like an 'in your face'. Regardless, we deal with change every day, in some area, with varying intensity, and with lesser or greater degrees of success. When we try to stand against the change, it's more like running water through one's hand - and you can capture just so much of the water.
Actually... if you know what you typically do when confronted with a challenge, problem, opportunity, wonderings, etc. then this is your default - how you respond. And if your 'default' is prayer and/or scripture then that's a marvelous way of understanding and responding.
"You may make your plans, but God directs your actions." (Proverbs 16:9)
"But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it
to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all." (James 1:5)
"But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle,
and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds;
it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy." (James 3:17)
"If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice
behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
"I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives
me." (Philippians 4:13)
"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God
transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you
will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to
Him and is perfect." (Romans 12:2
So, you can see that scripture does have a response to our need when we turn to discover the best response - and these are only representative, there are many more. You can easily understand that since we are always faced by change. It is always our decision how we respond... but if we have a methodology in place then these changes won't overpower us.
Or... is how you respond to change based on who's in control of the change???
Saturday, April 4, 2020
The new normal....
Such a strange phrase... and yet it is universally used and rarely defined. Often the phrase is used to distinguish a major event that changes the course of (fill in the blank). It is so expansive as to not provide any understanding, except that what was probably will never be again. So, what does that mean?
Undoubtedly, the first reaction to this 'condition' is to focus on how this will affect ME! Is the 'new normal' something that is wanted, needed, expected, hoped for, feared? Regardless, what will this mean for me? Personal 'new' expectations on oneself, challenges, or threats is not unusual unless the reaction is unknown or negative and/or fearful. Anxiety and new rarely are good mates. Often much time is wasted on denying or fighting against this 'new' rather than understanding and proactively responding. Obviously, 'the new normal' means CHANGE. And typically... this is not a change we have any influence over... it is an 'is'.
So, what are our assets in these times? What can and should we be and do? My suggestion - turn to scripture to bring peace and hope to face these times.
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the
Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.’”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will
be with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not
on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and
He will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do
you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and
streams in the wasteland.”
Philippians 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things."
I could go on, but these verses should provide you with a 'defense' against any and all fears. You don't really think that God was surprised... do you? He not only knew what was happening before it happened, but how you would respond. But He also made Himself available for you to lean on, learn from, and act with confidence.
In some respects I think that the 'new normal' always is occurring - sometimes faster, sometimes slower. We sometimes see it coming and prepare and we often don't 'read the signs of the times'. My point is that however the new normal arrived, however devastating the change is... because of the Lord, we can not only cope with it but learn from it. Even when these times are beyond our comprehension and ability to defeat. He is always with us and willing and able.
Undoubtedly, the first reaction to this 'condition' is to focus on how this will affect ME! Is the 'new normal' something that is wanted, needed, expected, hoped for, feared? Regardless, what will this mean for me? Personal 'new' expectations on oneself, challenges, or threats is not unusual unless the reaction is unknown or negative and/or fearful. Anxiety and new rarely are good mates. Often much time is wasted on denying or fighting against this 'new' rather than understanding and proactively responding. Obviously, 'the new normal' means CHANGE. And typically... this is not a change we have any influence over... it is an 'is'.
So, what are our assets in these times? What can and should we be and do? My suggestion - turn to scripture to bring peace and hope to face these times.
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the
Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.’”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will
be with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not
on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and
He will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do
you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and
streams in the wasteland.”
Philippians 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things."
I could go on, but these verses should provide you with a 'defense' against any and all fears. You don't really think that God was surprised... do you? He not only knew what was happening before it happened, but how you would respond. But He also made Himself available for you to lean on, learn from, and act with confidence.
In some respects I think that the 'new normal' always is occurring - sometimes faster, sometimes slower. We sometimes see it coming and prepare and we often don't 'read the signs of the times'. My point is that however the new normal arrived, however devastating the change is... because of the Lord, we can not only cope with it but learn from it. Even when these times are beyond our comprehension and ability to defeat. He is always with us and willing and able.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Church
You do appreciate that the church is composed of... people, humans (including you), who don't always act on their status as Christians. We all do and say things we probably shouldn't, even when we think we have the answer or 'know'. Forgiveness and understanding should always be the foundation of our interactions and reactions, especially with brothers and sisters in the faith.
Have you truly thought about the opposite reaction, mindset? If we don't forgive and attempt to understand, do we expect a double standard? Should we think that we always deserve understanding? Not gonna happen. Remember the 'golden rule'? If we don't act toward others based on the forgiveness mindset, we rarely receive what we want. And yes, sometimes we don't receive forgiveness and understanding even when we act on them toward others. Not the point.
Just as you are not their servants, your brothers and sisters in the Lord aren't yours. We all serve the living Lord. When we act as if we know and they don't (and yes, even when this may be accurate) what do we accomplish? Misunderstandings, hurts, alienations, etc. - worth it to be 'right' in your eyes? The church has an incredible challenge, opportunity in our world and if we do not act in one accord then what do we sow?
Sin will separate us and if that's the cause between brother's and sister's and all the requisite (scriptural) steps have been acted on then until the sinning person repents there is nothing further that can be done. However, remember Paul's admonition to the Corinthians about a sinning brother and then his follow up letter urging them to reinstate the brother because he had repented? Do not EVER give up on a fellow Christian when they do sin. Do what you can to help them return - minimally, pray.
At one time we were all the Prodigal son. That didn't stop the Father from making provision for us:
"And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and
separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, in
which you once walked. ...
Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our
flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], ... [without the
Holy Spirit] ...
We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, ...
But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and
wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were
[spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He
made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—
His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s
judgment). ...
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing
you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from
judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation]
is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the
[undeserved, gracious] gift of God; ...
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art],
created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] ..."
(Ephesians 2:1-10, AMP)
This states who we were, who we have become, and how we got here. "Church" is always more than a building or a group of people... it is "... when two or three are gathered in His name..." (Matthew 18:20, 1Corinthians 14:26)
Have you truly thought about the opposite reaction, mindset? If we don't forgive and attempt to understand, do we expect a double standard? Should we think that we always deserve understanding? Not gonna happen. Remember the 'golden rule'? If we don't act toward others based on the forgiveness mindset, we rarely receive what we want. And yes, sometimes we don't receive forgiveness and understanding even when we act on them toward others. Not the point.
Just as you are not their servants, your brothers and sisters in the Lord aren't yours. We all serve the living Lord. When we act as if we know and they don't (and yes, even when this may be accurate) what do we accomplish? Misunderstandings, hurts, alienations, etc. - worth it to be 'right' in your eyes? The church has an incredible challenge, opportunity in our world and if we do not act in one accord then what do we sow?
Sin will separate us and if that's the cause between brother's and sister's and all the requisite (scriptural) steps have been acted on then until the sinning person repents there is nothing further that can be done. However, remember Paul's admonition to the Corinthians about a sinning brother and then his follow up letter urging them to reinstate the brother because he had repented? Do not EVER give up on a fellow Christian when they do sin. Do what you can to help them return - minimally, pray.
At one time we were all the Prodigal son. That didn't stop the Father from making provision for us:
"And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and
separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, in
which you once walked. ...
Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our
flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], ... [without the
Holy Spirit] ...
We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, ...
But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and
wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were
[spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He
made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—
His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s
judgment). ...
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing
you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from
judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation]
is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the
[undeserved, gracious] gift of God; ...
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art],
created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] ..."
(Ephesians 2:1-10, AMP)
This states who we were, who we have become, and how we got here. "Church" is always more than a building or a group of people... it is "... when two or three are gathered in His name..." (Matthew 18:20, 1Corinthians 14:26)
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Faith being tested?
First, you should never be surprised when your faith is tested. But do make the distinction between 'test' and 'temp'. The devil is always placing temptations in our way. He would love to prove to us that we really aren't saved and never will be. His ways are lies and deceptions which we do fall for at times. Do remember though, that the Lord NEVER temps us, but He will test. Too often our shame gets in our way and we don't choose the simplest path - confession to cleansing (1 John 1:9). However, when it isn't a temptation but a test... how do we respond?
"...rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you
have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your
faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even
though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your]
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
(1Peter 1: 6-7, AMP)
And remember that testing is for OUR good - we prove to ourselves that our faith is strong (or needs strengthening). Point being that we should never be surprised at challenges, but the bottom line really is - NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR FAITH FROM YOU. You can't lose it either... or misplace it. You can walk away from it, but this is always a conscious decision.
"Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through
experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner
peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work,
so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith],
lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, AMP)
Count it joy?! I suspect that the 'joy' comes from how you define and view 'trials'. While they may not be particularly pleasant at the moment, as you move through the trial to success (and yes, success as the end result is my definition; it relates to understanding as much as anything) and see what has transpired, how the trial occurred and how you responded... then joy can become the reaction to all that. And it also says - we will be lacking in nothing!!!!!
Also, look at the next sentence... 'BE ASSURED'. To me, that's a promise that though my faith may be tested, there is a positive result - 'produces endurance' and prepares me. Tests are designed to help us actually know what we know and how to act on that. There not designed to shame or embarrass us but to help us grow and mature, and only our attitude will make the difference.
"...rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you
have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your
faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even
though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your]
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
(1Peter 1: 6-7, AMP)
And remember that testing is for OUR good - we prove to ourselves that our faith is strong (or needs strengthening). Point being that we should never be surprised at challenges, but the bottom line really is - NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR FAITH FROM YOU. You can't lose it either... or misplace it. You can walk away from it, but this is always a conscious decision.
"Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through
experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner
peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work,
so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith],
lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, AMP)
Count it joy?! I suspect that the 'joy' comes from how you define and view 'trials'. While they may not be particularly pleasant at the moment, as you move through the trial to success (and yes, success as the end result is my definition; it relates to understanding as much as anything) and see what has transpired, how the trial occurred and how you responded... then joy can become the reaction to all that. And it also says - we will be lacking in nothing!!!!!
Also, look at the next sentence... 'BE ASSURED'. To me, that's a promise that though my faith may be tested, there is a positive result - 'produces endurance' and prepares me. Tests are designed to help us actually know what we know and how to act on that. There not designed to shame or embarrass us but to help us grow and mature, and only our attitude will make the difference.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Struggles
And there 'they' are. Didn't ask for them. Totally unwanted. But they come anyway. Probably, because we attach too much significance to them... yes? Regardless, they rarely go away of their own accord. And, rarely do they do so willingly. Soooo, when they come - what do you do? I suspect it could be argued that when struggles come, we feel like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders... that no one really understands us or what we are facing. Yes? Tell me... does this mindset help you in resolving your struggles? Of course not. Yet we all do this.
Struggles are a fact of life. But... they don't have to be viewed negatively. They can be excellent 'teachers'. You can learn about you, about how you handle your struggles, if they are mountain or molehill struggles, etc. There are learnings, if you want them. Truth is... sometimes we don't know what it is that we are struggling about. Sometimes it seems that we are beset on all sides! In these times, I tend to search scripture when I need an answer to a problem, and especially so when it comes to struggling. (Admittedly I do quote these scriptures in a variety of places... but they are answers.)
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God
is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that
you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's
love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has
been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5, ESV)
"But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak,
then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)
The 'bell ringer for me is:
"We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed;
perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;"
(2 Corinthians 4:3, AMP)
Obviously, we can always choose those self-defeating attitudes and behaviors that only compound our struggles or we can stop. Stopping affords us an opportunity to catch our breath and then proactively begin to look at our struggle and resolve it.
When we look at the last scripture we see that it is an 'attitude' issue as well as a 'problem'. When we tackle our attitude issues first then we are better equipped to resolve the struggle. Struggling is an 'is', we don't seem to be able to escape, however we also don't need to over-emphasize or lose our perspective. We have been made conquerors, so we can overcome, we can resolve. We Are Able!
Struggles are a fact of life. But... they don't have to be viewed negatively. They can be excellent 'teachers'. You can learn about you, about how you handle your struggles, if they are mountain or molehill struggles, etc. There are learnings, if you want them. Truth is... sometimes we don't know what it is that we are struggling about. Sometimes it seems that we are beset on all sides! In these times, I tend to search scripture when I need an answer to a problem, and especially so when it comes to struggling. (Admittedly I do quote these scriptures in a variety of places... but they are answers.)
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God
is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that
you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's
love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has
been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5, ESV)
"But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak,
then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)
The 'bell ringer for me is:
"We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed;
perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;"
(2 Corinthians 4:3, AMP)
Obviously, we can always choose those self-defeating attitudes and behaviors that only compound our struggles or we can stop. Stopping affords us an opportunity to catch our breath and then proactively begin to look at our struggle and resolve it.
When we look at the last scripture we see that it is an 'attitude' issue as well as a 'problem'. When we tackle our attitude issues first then we are better equipped to resolve the struggle. Struggling is an 'is', we don't seem to be able to escape, however we also don't need to over-emphasize or lose our perspective. We have been made conquerors, so we can overcome, we can resolve. We Are Able!
Monday, March 23, 2020
Forgiveness is never 'deserved'
When you are the offending person, have you ever thought about the fact that forgiveness (form/by others) is never a 'deserved'. Simply saying you're sorry isn't enough. In many instances you need to 'prove' your words with changed behavior. Regardless, you can never demand or even expect that being forgiven is automatic even if we (hope) expect it. Now, flip the coin, and you are the one doing the forgiving. Do you (consciously or not) put a condition on you forgiving the other person? If you do then you are putting a requirement on your forgiveness.
Scripture has many verses about forgiving and forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Hebrews 8:12 – "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember
their sins no more."
Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
I specifically chose these three out of the countless number of verses because of what they demonstrate. 1 John gives us method, Hebrews states the finality of how the sins are forgiven, and Romans shows us that the Lord had a plan for us when we did sin.
Method: When we are the offender, we acknowledge our sins. Implicit in seeking forgiveness is the intentionality to not repeat the words/behaviors that cause the need for forgiveness. How: The Lord tells us that when He forgives, He will not remember what occurred. This tells us that we can't hold the sin over the others person's head - forgiveness is a finality. It also tells us that when we are seeking forgiveness for what we did, when we have done everything possible to seek redemption, our responsibility in the future is to intentionally not repeat but we can't continually hold our sin over our own head. And lastly, our primary method should be an attitude of extending forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling
and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Mark 11:25 – "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have
anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven
may forgive you your trespasses.”
Never forget that this should be what you do, how, and why. Regardless, you can never expect this attitude from others because forgiveness is never automatic and never deserved.
Forgiveness is a gift... and an act of love.
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