2025-12-05
Good morning, Dear Ones,
Paul’s younger assistant, Timothy, was ever on the older apostle’s mind. He gave Timothy this charge to be renewed, in 1 TIM 1: 15-17, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners; Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” To show mercy, have compassion for, or have pity on in Greek is eleos [el-eh’-o]. Patience in Greek is hupomone, [hoop-o -mone-‘a] something inspired by makrothumia, [macro-thoo’-mia] meaning long-suffering. Mercy is fueled by forgiveness, aphiemi [ah-phee-emi]. These four words are a picture of the love of Christ toward all who believe.
RO 3: 23-24, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Despite our sinfulness, we are offered the opportunity to be forgiven as long as we become followers of the Lord Jesus. Considering the sins we commit, our Lord Jesus forgives us. Of course, we need to stop the sinful behavior after confessing it and moving on with our lives, choosing to live by the Scriptures. Forgiveness means to set a wrongdoer free, to cut loose because the burden of unforgiveness is too hard to carry. Moreover, God wants us to be forgiving because He knows refusing to forgive gives Satan an advantage.
We are commanded to forgive for yet another reason. EPH 4: 29-32, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. With whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” How does Satan outwit us, if we are unforgiving? 2 COR 2: 10-11, “Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. Andy what have I forgiven—if there was anything to forgive-- I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake. In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” Holding grudges goes back to covetousness and memories that spark the attitude. That’s the work of devil. Nothing constructive ever arose from holding a grudge. It certainly won’t bring inner peace and good behavior. There is emotional pain whenever the grudge is discussed. Certainly, this is not submission to God’s will. We must remember RO 8: 28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes.” Once a person has submitted to the Holy Spirit, the latter will let him know what is right to do and what is not.
We all wish for more peace in our lives. Of course, there are going to be times when we forgive a wrongdoer, but he doesn’t forgive us. In those times, we must accept that our Lord is omniscient and thus knows about it. People are not always at the same level of spiritual and emotional maturity. We must accept that and live out our lives as faithfully obedient Christians until God either does or does not bring the wrongdoer to maturity.
PRAYER: O Lord, we come before You to ask for Your help in being merciful, patient, and forgiving toward other people. That is what You want for us. If forgiveness is accepted, peace can ensue. If not, we must be content in knowing we did the right thing in accordance with Your will. We don’t want to suffer the pain of unforgiveness, nor do we want to grieve the Holy Spirit. MT 5: 7-9, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Your wisdom. dearest Lord, is eternal; and we are grateful beyond measure for Your willingness to share it. We offer You, our loyalty, our obedience, our thanks, and our praise forever. In Christ’s holy name we pray. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirit commands me to write about how does God create ministry and the comfort He gives when we obey His will. We must surrender to his will to do His work. Forgiveness is a way of life for our Lord Jesus, but in our modern society too many people are refusing to give it. We must remember Christ’s words in MT 5: 23-24, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them, then come and offer your gift.” We can try to be more Christlike and should never give up His ways. Our need is to be humble and merciful as He is. We are so blessed to have the love of our God. Thanksgiving and praise be to Him!
Grace Be with You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2025. All Rights Reserved.
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