when you return from something, everyone always asks: “what stood out to you the most?” or “what was the biggest lesson that God taught you?” etc.
well for Christmas break 2011-2012, God taught be a lot about
{F O R G I V E N E S S}.
it was through a variety of ways, but mostly by the means of a book i was assigned to read for a class–”the pillars of Christian character” {by John MacAruthur}. okay confession, this was the first book i have ever read by him, i must say i really did love it. it was so deep, yet easy to understand and apply to everyday life. it was one of those books that you read and you’re like: “oh, that is exactly what i needed to hear!” you know what i’m talking about? you get those “a-ha!” moments over and over. the book itself talks about a lot of things that you probably already know, but they are things that you can’t be reminded about enough throughout life.
anyway, back to the subject at hand…forgiveness.
this is a big topic. and i definitely won’t be going into full detail about it on here. but i wanted to share something that i highlighted in the book.
“an unsettled grudge needs to be resolved and reconciliation must occur before we can render true worship to God. we must do all we can to settle any anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness we hold toward a brother or sister in Christ, or that he or she holds toward us. otherwise, we are not fit to come before God or partake of His communion table. that is why the attitude of forgiveness is so critical in the life of the church.”
wow. i was struck when i thought about how often i find it so difficult to TRULY forgive at times–even for silly things. but it really should never be a struggle because of the immense forgiveness that the Lord has shown to me! because of His great love, i should never hold on to things that may have hurt me in some sort of way. i am a sinner and i have been forgiven. this forgiveness should never be taken for granted, instead i should be readily showing it to others in my life.
{this is my prayer:}
o, God, give me a heart of forgiveness…let no one’s actions cause me to not show love and mercy toward them.
xoxo
Lo
PS
if you care to share something that God taught you over break, please do. leave a comment. i’d love to hear about His work in your life too.
