Today's Topic: True Forgiveness.
Alot of the time, we think of forgiveness as accepting apologies, and moving on. We think it must be asked for, and often we expect it to be earned. We say things like, "no biggie, but now you owe me." But TRUE forgiveness, the forgiveness Christ calls us to give, is given freely. It is given not only to our friends, or those who ask for it, or "deserve" it, but also to those who continually wrong us. To truly forgive means not only do you let the grudge go, and move on. You also wish them well. You pray for them, and pray for their forgiveness. While being stoned to death, Stephen looked to the Heaven's and said "Lord, do not hold this against them," just as on the cross Jesus said, "forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." This complete forgiveness is an example of the ultimate love. The love God has given us, and the love we are called to share.
Related Scriptures: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. -Acts 7:55-60
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32
Never Stop Smiling.
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