Matthew 5:21-24.
Jesus talks pretty squarely about the Law in the continuation of the conversation he's started in the previous verses. This is the opening chapter of Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. But, as important as the Law, the Torah, was to him and his constituency, he takes it one step further -- putting face and hand and heart into it. For example, when discussing murder -- he says forget about the state of being mad enough to kill, even simply being angry with another makes us subject to God's judgment. Insulting another -- same. Calling someone "fool" or "stupid" -- same, but with the fires of hell added to the judgment mix.
He goes on: don't bother to come to church if you know that any brother or sister has something against you. First, go and be reconciled to them . . . then, bring what you have to offer to God and worship freely, and with a good conscience.
Wow!!!
Powerful, convicting -- yes, INDICTING words.
Proposition: we cannot honor God unless we forgive one another.
Discussion: how in God's name are we able to DO this?
Because, forgiveness is the hardest thing we are required to do as Christians, I think. And yet, that is exactly his command. We can't really live without it.
Why is it so important?
Let me know what you think . . .
a.
Forgiveness is very hard to do; however, it is the most "freeing" experience that you can give to yourself. The spoken words "I forgive you..."said directly to the person involved has such a healing effect on both parties.
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Oh, this is a hard one. We have to forgive in order free ourselves from that trouble because otherwise, we are still just hurting ourselves. Pastor Anna, please let us know more about the "forget" part of "forgive and forget." how do we forgive others, yet protect ourselves (and those close to us) when we expect that other person to hurt us again? JanetU
ReplyDeleteForgiveness doesn't mean you have to have coffee with people who abuse you every day -- be buddies or anything. That kind of forgiveness, Janet, needs to come inside us so we can heal. Abusive persons need forgiveness and compassion, but they also don't get the opportunity to abuse again. Hope that helps.
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