Unforgiveness means bearing grudge against another human being. It is not letting go of an offense toward us. It is very costly to our spiritual well-being.
There are 4 consequences of unforgiveness:
1. If you don’t forgive, you become unforgivable. God forgives forgivers only. Matthew 6:14-15.
2. Those who can’t forgive can’t receive from God. Unforgiveness is a hindrance to answered prayers. It shuts off God’s blessings. 1 Peter 3:7.
3. Your offerings are unacceptable when you harbor grudges. God only accepts gifts from those who forgive themselves and others. Giving is a sacrifice. Abel-like sacrifices come from those who forgive others. Matthew 5:23-24.
4. Unforgivers will not go to heaven. Why? Hebrews 12:14 declares that only those who are holy and follow peace with all men shall see the Lord. How do you go to heaven if you cannot see the Lord?
N.B. Forgiveness is for the benefit of the forgiver. It does not relieve the offender of the consequences of his/her actions. Forgiveness is different from trust. We are commanded to forgive everyone; we’re not asked to trust everybody. May we all increase in this grace in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Mistakes of Life
The wise men started with wisdom. God showed them a star which led them to Jerusalem. Methinks the same star could have led them to Jesus but they chose to consult with Herod. Why ask man for direction on a journey started by God? It’s like Abraham asking others for direction to the land of promise. How would they know? Were they the one that instructed him to leave his father’s house for a land “that I will shoe thee?” We all have a tendency to seek man’s help after starting with God.
The mistake of the wise men led to fulfillment of the Scriptures. The threat of Herod, the sojourn in Egypt, and the fury that led to the massacre of 2-year-old boys and under; all were foretold in the Bible. All things, our tests, trials, mistakes, blessings, testimonies and triumphs, work together for our good. Don’t be afraid to take risks and launch into the deep. Our mistakes are the necessary ingredients for divine intervention. The lies of Abraham made him richer. The adultery of David produced Solomon. The disgraceful lifestyle of Rahab routed her into the lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not what you did in the past but how you respond to your future that matters.
Along the journey of life, there are booby-traps, bumps, curveballs, disappointments and unexpected snags. We need to remember that we have a high priest who is aware of our infirmities. Our role is to always look up to the Almighty God who is well and able to lead and guide us despite our failings.
The mistake of the wise men led to fulfillment of the Scriptures. The threat of Herod, the sojourn in Egypt, and the fury that led to the massacre of 2-year-old boys and under; all were foretold in the Bible. All things, our tests, trials, mistakes, blessings, testimonies and triumphs, work together for our good. Don’t be afraid to take risks and launch into the deep. Our mistakes are the necessary ingredients for divine intervention. The lies of Abraham made him richer. The adultery of David produced Solomon. The disgraceful lifestyle of Rahab routed her into the lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not what you did in the past but how you respond to your future that matters.
Along the journey of life, there are booby-traps, bumps, curveballs, disappointments and unexpected snags. We need to remember that we have a high priest who is aware of our infirmities. Our role is to always look up to the Almighty God who is well and able to lead and guide us despite our failings.
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