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Posted on December 30, 2008 by Pauline Lewinson | Posted under Self Improvement
FORGIVENESS and THE STORY of CHRISTMAS
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He promised a seed (Genesis 3:15). The Old Testament prophets, (Isaiah 7, Micah 5. Hosea11) prophesied about Jesus' birth and Jesus birth was fulfilled in the New Testament. (Matthew and Luke 1 & 2). The promised seed, Jesus was born and Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Although there are controversaries about the correct date of Jesus' birth, I think it is a great opportunity to celebrate His birth. This is my favorite time of the year, because I am grateful to God for giving His son to die, so that my sins are forgiven. God sent His only son into the world to die for our sins. Jesus died for our sins, yet He Himself never sinned. He was perfect. He asked God to forgive the people who hurt and sinned against Him. We have been summoned to be like Jesus, follow His example and obey His Words which is the Holy Bible. One of the commands given in the Word is that we must forgive. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:14-15). And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Why should I forgive? Because it is what the Lord has commanded in His Word. There is a popular saying; “Forgiving frees the forgiver." So the greatest benefit of forgiveness then, is to set you free. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14). Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24). Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others (Colossians 3:13). Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:37). God is waiting to hear you ask Him for forgiveness. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that you have ever done that He will not forgive if you ask. How often must I forgive? I'm glad you asked, because Peter asked that very question of Jesus and the answer was: Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven Matthew 18:22. Also see Luke 17:3-4. This suggests to me that forgiveness is something we must practice often and for as long as the need exists. Tell Jesus you are sorry for your sins and He will forgive you. He loves us so much; He already paid the price for our sins. Believe He has forgiven you. Go to the people you need to apologize to go and ask for their forgiveness or tell the people who have hurt you that you have forgiven them. Do not have preconceived thought of what their reactions might be. Simply go with a selfless attitude and with no expectation. What really matters is that you do your part: forgive yourself, accept God's forgiveness and forgive other. If this is too hard ask God to help you. There is nothing too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27; Genesis 18:14). With God all thing are possible. (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27). Now be obedient, step out and take care of this forgiveness piece of business so you can claim your divine destiny and be with Him in paradise. I'd like to conclude with this quote from George Herbert: “He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass." Pauline Lewinson About The Author: Pauline Lewinson, Life Style Mentor and Successful Entrepreneur, is helping many become the next success story. Whether you're looking to create an extra few thousand dollars per month, be an ex-corporate executive, or the next millionaire Mom, Pauline can assist you to create a second stream of income and greater peace of mind. visit : Inspired Life |
Tags: FORGIVENESS, CHRISTMAS STORY, GOD, JESUS
