An alert reader sent me an article yesterday on the topic of forgiveness. It is entitled, “Do I Have To Forgive? (The Answer Might Surprise You).” The article tackles the abusive use of the forgiveness commands by Jesus and points out the consistent need for repentance for godly forgiveness (as I teach on this blog). … Continue reading “Resource on (NOT) “having” to forgive”
Category: Forgiveness
Repentance required to avoid Hell
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9, NIV While this verse is more about Christ’s second coming, I figure it is a good verse to talk about end things in general. … Continue reading “Repentance required to avoid Hell”
Not nice Jesus words!
Did you know Jesus called his religious “opponents” names?! He called them out as “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “fools” (see Mt 23:13-39). Do those names sound like “blessings” and not curses? Or do they sound like a frank, truthful labeling of bad behaviors? I have little patience for religious people who sit in judgment over … Continue reading “Not nice Jesus words!”
Called out!
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God. -I Timothy 1:19b-20, NLT The Apostle Paul names, names here. He does not shy away from … Continue reading “Called out!”
Dumb Stuff “Christians” Say Regarding Cheating Situations
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. -Proverbs 17:28 More Christians could learn from that fool from Proverbs 17:28 who held his tongue when it comes to marriages ravaged by adultery. Sadly, the advice (and condemnation) come all too freely for faithful spouses. Here a few … Continue reading “Dumb Stuff “Christians” Say Regarding Cheating Situations”
What that verse on revenge does NOT say…
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” saith the Lord. -Romans 12:19, KJV I find this verse instructive as it comes to forgiving cheaters. First, it tells us to release to God our fantasies of taking revenge on our abusers. Many … Continue reading “What that verse on revenge does NOT say…”
A dream-prompting
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. -Hebrews 12:15b, NLT Each night, I pray that God would send me healing and prophetic dreams as I go to bed. This morning I woke remembering a vivid dream. It involved a “friend” who betrayed me in my divorce from … Continue reading “A dream-prompting”
Anger towards “supporting characters”
God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day. -Psalm 7:11, NLT Oddly enough, my anger was often directed to other bad actors in my divorce instead of the prime character–my (now) ex-wife. Certainly, I had good reason to feel angry towards those others. It was actually healthy to feel this … Continue reading “Anger towards “supporting characters””
Ready
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. -Psalm 86:5, NKJV “God is ready to forgive.” -Diane Langberg, Ph.D. I was on an online event today where Dr. Diane Langberg spoke. She brought this point up about forgiveness as a point about God’s forgiveness. The idea … Continue reading “Ready”
If it is about power over…
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.” -Matthew 20:25, NLT “You will just keep that [her cheating] over her head forever [if she stayed married to you].” -Cheater apologist Some people view all relationships … Continue reading “If it is about power over…”