Living Beyond Sunday - Living in Forgiveness - Forgiving our Enemies
We continue to the series: Living Beyond Sunday
Part 2 – Forgiving our Enemies
Forgiving our Enemies – You may ask yourself why focus on something that is OBVIOUSLY so Christian? I will tell you why! We aren’t doing it. We aren’t living lives of forgiveness. We are bitter, angry, grudge holding, vengeful people. We keep lists, and track offenses.
We really struggle with forgiveness.
Let’s read some fantastic quotes I found on Forgiveness.
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.-- Mahatma Gandhi
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.—Unknown
He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.--George Herbert
Resentment is like a glass of poison that a man drinks; then he sits down and waits for his enemy to die.—Unknown
A Christian will find it cheaper to pardon than to resent. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of spirit. --Hannah More
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it. --Mark Twain
Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?-- Abraham Lincoln
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.-- Josh Billings
The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness. --William Blake
Jesus was pretty clear that forgiveness is central to the work that He did on earth. He came to live a perfect life, so he would be qualified to die on our behalf. He could then offer us forgiveness in exchange for our lives.
A free gift of life.
He called us to live a life that is other’s centered not self-centered.
What we know from scripture:
We are to love our enemies and pray for them Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus ask The Father to forgive those that crucified him Luke 23:34
What does this mean:
We are called to do more than what the world expects
Forgiveness isn’t about being fair
Things to think about:
Why should we love our enemies?
Why pray for those who persecute us?
What happens when you don’t forgive your enemies?
What happens when you do forgive your enemies?
Do you have people you would call enemies? Do you hold grudges, plot vengeance, or have angry conversations with people in your head?
FOLLOWING JESUS is not easy.
In fact it is downright hard when you try to do it in your own strength. Stop. Stop doing it in your own strength. We don’t have to.
Jesus came that we might have “life and live it to the fullest” (John 10:10).
He also said that his yoke was easy and his burden light”. (Matt 11:30)
Forgiveness takes supernatural strength. We have been given that strength through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. Ask Holy Spirit today for help in forgiving your enemies.
You will find FREEDOM in FORGIVENESS!
Next Week - Beyond Sunday – Living in Forgiveness – Part 3 – Forgiving ourselves
About the Author, Jim Brangenberg
Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!