FORGIVENESS

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”

Romans 2:1

King James Version

It is easy to point the finger of guilt at someone but it’s a lot harder to admit that we guilty of doing the same thing, isn’t it?  We are so quick to say it’s terrible when someone kills someone and it is terrible.  However when we say sarcastic and criticizing words to people, we might as well take a knife and plunge it into their heart because it hurts just as much.

We say one sin is worse than another sin, but to God, sin is sin.  We read in the Bible.  “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

If we say that we have never told a lie, think about it.  If we have ever told someone we were okay when they asked how we were and we weren’t okay, we have told a lie.  People have asked me if I was okay and I said yes because I didn’t want them to know I was hurting.

Several years ago about a week from Christmas, all I had in the house to eat was bread, lunchmeat and potato chips and I didn’t have the money to buy any food.  A friend asked me how I was and if I needed anything.  I said I was fine and didn’t need anything because I was embarrassed and didn’t want him to know I needed food.  It doesn’t matter why I said that I was okay, I lied.

The Bible tells us that “all liars will have shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”.  May God forgive us for being so quick to point the finger of guilt at someone.  One of my pastors said in a sermon when he was talking about forgiveness “If we would make sure our own heart is right before God, we won’t have time to judge and condemn others”.

Instead of judging others, let start praying for people and telling them about the unconditional love of Jesus.  However, it is not enough to just tell them that Jesus loves them, we must prove He loves them by our kind and loving actions. 

Jesus set the example for us.  “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:10,11}.

It is very hard to convince people Jesus loves them if we criticize them all the time.  We need to start loving people and praying for them.  Then and only then, will they want Jesus for their Saviour.  Do people know Jesus loves them by our kind and loving actions?

Cecil F. Alexander wrote the hymn “Forgive Them, O My Father”.  “Forgive them, O my Father, They know not what they do. The Savior spoke in anguish, As sharp iron nails went through. No word of anger spoke He To them that shed His blood, But prayer and tenderest pity Large as the love of God.”

Squire Parsons wrote another beautiful hymn “He Came To Me”.  “He came to me when I was bound in chains of sin He came to me when I possessed no hope within He picked me up and He drew me gently to His side Where, today, in His sweet love I now abide.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die for our sins.  Jesus, I love You.  Precious Saviour, You are the reason I’m living and the Joy of my heart.  Thank You for loving me and for coming to me when I couldn’t come to You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

May 28, 2019