This past Sunday my wife and I were having a causal conversations with a pastor friend of ours about forgiveness. He said that a lot of people preach and teach on the topic of forgiveness but very rarely do they actually give practical steps on how to forgive. Then he mentioned that one of the ways he teaches people how to forgive is to go find a rock that they can carry around for an entire week. You write the name of the person you are struggling to forgive on the rock and at the end of the week you bury the rock and pray for the person who you need to forgive. He told us when people bury the rock there is a lot of deliverance.
After we finished talking I thought top myself "I wonder if that will work?", not that I was skeptical of my friend but this was something I just had to experience for myself. So I gave it the "old college try". The first couple of days were fine just somewhat awkward because I was not used to carrying rocks around with me (I had to rocks for two issues that seemed unsettled in my heart). But as the week progressed it became harder and harder to carry those rocks. Every morning that I woke up I the thought of carrying rocks for a day we burdensome. Even though the physical weight of the rocks never changed they became extremely burdensome. At the end I did not care anymore why I was carrying the rocks I just waned it to end. Every step I took reminded me of the rocks, I stopped walking up the steps and started taking the elevators, I was doing whatever I could to seek relief. But the rocks were not that big are even that heavy it's was just uncomfortable and made everything I did just a bit harder.
When the end of the week arrived I took the rocks to the top of a hill that I run on during the week and tossed them down the hill with all might. When I cast the rocks out I said in a loud voice, "I forgive you!". As I left the hill I could already feel the difference, my movements were faster, and I did not feel the burden anymore. As "corny" as it sounds, I felt free of the weight that not forgiving someone brings. Ironically enough later that day one of the people I was struggling to forgive offended me and I had to make a choice to carry the unnecessary weight of that comes with n forgiving him or walking in love through forgiveness.
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Carrying the weight of unforgiveness, bitterness, or a grudge is labor and extremely heavy because it is the weight of sin. (Yes not forgiving someone is sinful (Matthew 18:21-35) Much like the rocks it slows you down and makes each new step more difficult. And just like I sought the elevator for relief we seek the easy way out. It is easier to hate someone and shut them out your life then it is to love them through difficult times. It is easier to avoid a problem then it is to give your attention to find a solution. It is easier to separate then it is to reconcile. It is easier to validate your feelings then it is to deal with the truth of God's Word. But Christ promises us that He will give us rest from all this if we exchange what have for what He gives. Our bitterness for His JOY!, our grudge for His Reconciliation, and our need for justice in exchange for His Mercy. His Yoke means we cast our "rocks" away so we can accept the weight and burden of living a life that pleases Him. When I cast my "rocks" away two hours later I had to deal with forgiveness. One of the person's I carried the rock to settle the matter in my heart that I am going to walk in forgiveness offended me again, The temptation to pick up the "rocks" returned but I thought of the burden it brings. I thought of how two rocks had altered my life for one week and I begin to imagine how walking with this unresolved issue in my life had negatively altered it after all these years. I begin to think of missed opportunities to bring God Glory in the situation, I thought of how many times I could have been a light but I let my emotions over rule God's Grace and acted a "fool" as opposed to acting Godly. I thought of all this and I determined in my heart that the "rocks" will stay on the ground! In doing this I learned more of what it means to love like God (1 Corinthians 13) and my soul found rest.
So I say to you today cast your rocks away and accept the light and easy burden of loving and forgiving like Jesus. At some point we have to get past our feelings and truly apply God's truth when it comes to forgiveness. Or you can continue to carry you "rocks" and be weighed down for the rest of your life. The choice is yours, stay focused you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable.
http://consumedbyjoy.blogspot.com/
Showing posts with label Forgive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forgive. Show all posts
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Saturday, June 8, 2013
"Wayward Parent"
Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the prodigal son tells of a child who abandoned his family, squandered his inherentice, but later returned and was received home. His father welcomed him back but his older brother resented him.
I find today that story runs true in the lives of many. And it's not so much the child who runs away at times but at times it is the parent. Some fathers run from responsibility and leave a mother to raise a child alone. Some mothers struggle to be there for their child because they have to balance work, daycare, parenting, and make ends meet. And some mothers abandon their child for the love of a man. There are so many scenarios that can play out these are just a few, sometimes it's the mother who leaves and the father who has to raise the child and struggles just the same as mentioned above. So to you single parents I pray God strengthen you for the journey and surround with wisdom and help for the task that is before you.
But what happens when that child whom was raised without knowing their biological father and/or mother finally meets them. It's hard to fight back those raw emotions and questions of why? And I cannot begin to imagine the pain but I look at the prodigal son's father who could have rejected his own flesh and blood and let him feel the guilt of leaving. Instead he welcomed him back with loving arms and expressed to his son that he was forgiven. I am sure it was hard for his father because so much time was lost between his son and him. But I like how the father cherished the time he had now gained with his son and did not waste it on questions and speculation. Not to say if his father were to question his son it would without valid reasons but I appreciate how he spent more time on getting know his son as opposed to being hateful towards him.
For some of us, we are going to play the role of the loving father when our wayward parent returns seeking forgiveness for abandoning us, abusing us, or neglecting us. Now it is important to note the prodigal son lost all his inherentice just like the wayward parent lost some years, maybe respect, or even the right to be called "mommy" or "daddy". But it also important to notice that the father's love for his prodigal son was unconditional and his forgiveness was instant. So if you are the child of a wayward parent I know you have questions and hurts but trust this, God sees those and through all your suffering He was the one healing your wounds, bandaging your scars, and holding you in His arms as you cried. It has always been Him and He will never stop. So when that wayward parent returns don't be like the older brother who resented his brother and was angered by the very presence of his brother. Your wayward parent is more than aware of what they did and they may find the words or courage to say, "I am sorry and I love you." or they may never apologize for what they did. They will never be able to make up for time lost or take back the mistake of hurting you. But remember your forgiveness of their sin is worth more than the apology they owe you. And I know I will never understand how you feel because I grew up in a loving home with good (not perfect) parents. And I am not advocating abandoning or abusing kids nor am I excusing their reckless behavior. However what I am saying is capture what time you can while you can. And if your wayward parent died prior to coming back or you offering them forgiveness find comfort in this. The loving father was waiting on his prodigal son to return not so he could forgive him but to express his forgiveness that he had already granted his son years ago. We will not always have the opportunity to let others know they are forgiven and reconcile but we will always have the chance to forgive in our hearts. I know it's tough but sometimes as Christian this is the weight we bare. But we do not bare it alone, Christ is there with us and He will never abandon us.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable.
"In His JOY!"
The parable of the prodigal son tells of a child who abandoned his family, squandered his inherentice, but later returned and was received home. His father welcomed him back but his older brother resented him.
I find today that story runs true in the lives of many. And it's not so much the child who runs away at times but at times it is the parent. Some fathers run from responsibility and leave a mother to raise a child alone. Some mothers struggle to be there for their child because they have to balance work, daycare, parenting, and make ends meet. And some mothers abandon their child for the love of a man. There are so many scenarios that can play out these are just a few, sometimes it's the mother who leaves and the father who has to raise the child and struggles just the same as mentioned above. So to you single parents I pray God strengthen you for the journey and surround with wisdom and help for the task that is before you.
But what happens when that child whom was raised without knowing their biological father and/or mother finally meets them. It's hard to fight back those raw emotions and questions of why? And I cannot begin to imagine the pain but I look at the prodigal son's father who could have rejected his own flesh and blood and let him feel the guilt of leaving. Instead he welcomed him back with loving arms and expressed to his son that he was forgiven. I am sure it was hard for his father because so much time was lost between his son and him. But I like how the father cherished the time he had now gained with his son and did not waste it on questions and speculation. Not to say if his father were to question his son it would without valid reasons but I appreciate how he spent more time on getting know his son as opposed to being hateful towards him.
For some of us, we are going to play the role of the loving father when our wayward parent returns seeking forgiveness for abandoning us, abusing us, or neglecting us. Now it is important to note the prodigal son lost all his inherentice just like the wayward parent lost some years, maybe respect, or even the right to be called "mommy" or "daddy". But it also important to notice that the father's love for his prodigal son was unconditional and his forgiveness was instant. So if you are the child of a wayward parent I know you have questions and hurts but trust this, God sees those and through all your suffering He was the one healing your wounds, bandaging your scars, and holding you in His arms as you cried. It has always been Him and He will never stop. So when that wayward parent returns don't be like the older brother who resented his brother and was angered by the very presence of his brother. Your wayward parent is more than aware of what they did and they may find the words or courage to say, "I am sorry and I love you." or they may never apologize for what they did. They will never be able to make up for time lost or take back the mistake of hurting you. But remember your forgiveness of their sin is worth more than the apology they owe you. And I know I will never understand how you feel because I grew up in a loving home with good (not perfect) parents. And I am not advocating abandoning or abusing kids nor am I excusing their reckless behavior. However what I am saying is capture what time you can while you can. And if your wayward parent died prior to coming back or you offering them forgiveness find comfort in this. The loving father was waiting on his prodigal son to return not so he could forgive him but to express his forgiveness that he had already granted his son years ago. We will not always have the opportunity to let others know they are forgiven and reconcile but we will always have the chance to forgive in our hearts. I know it's tough but sometimes as Christian this is the weight we bare. But we do not bare it alone, Christ is there with us and He will never abandon us.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable.
"In His JOY!"
Sunday, June 2, 2013
"Miracle Grow"
Matthew 18: 21-35
Last night I saw a name of someone who had wronged me. I was doing me social media thing and the website (in all its infinite wisdom) suggested that we should be friends and connect. My immediate thought was "Bump that noise, playa!" and within an instant feelings of anger just sprouted up. It was like someone had placed the "Miracle Grow" for hate in my heart. I had to spend the next several minutes redirecting my thoughts of rage to love. It was crazy, I eventually moved on and was able to regain my focus and get some sleep.
Today while I was driving home from work I begin to ponder about forgiveness. I mean I know how to love and forgive, but I am so quick to remember an offense. While I was thinking about this God put a challenge on my heart. It was like He asked me "Right now if you forgave everyone one for ever offense they committed against you and offered them forgiveness for ever wrong they will commit against you, how would they look in your eyes. Would they look the same to you, would you see them with hate in your heart or a heart full of love?"
I had to think about that, when I thought about the person in terms of forgiveness for past, present, and future wrongs. All I could see was a person clean of sin. I did not see them as a liar, devil, or a hypocrite. All I could see was the person and not the sin. But when I gave away my hate I took away my right to treat them mean out of anger. I took away my right think evil thoughts about them. I took away my bitterness. I took away my right to call them a hypocrite. I took away my right to tell them "Go take an eternal dip in the Lake of Fire!" I took it all away...
But what about me, what about my feelings, what about my hurt, what about my pain? Who will vindicate me, who will speak up for me, who...someone tell me who!? Because if I give up my right to hate I look like a Joker ...I look a Jello Spine...I look like a Jester...I look like the spelling error "Jesun" instead of "Jason"...I look like Jesus...wait what!
By forgiving all past offenses, amending all of current wrongs against me, and any future hurt that may come I began to act like Jesus. I look like I am willing sacrificing myself and my right to do ill, think ill, and even hope ill towards someone. I am modeling Christ. I am wiping the slate clean and refusing to add to it. I am denying myself and gladly following Jesus now (Matthew 16:24). I am forgiving others over and over no matter what (Matthew 18:21-22). I am crucifying myself and saying "Lord forgive them, they don't get it (Luke 22:34)". Now I know God because I walk in love ( 1 John 4:8). Now I know I abide in God and God is in me because I walking in love and compassion (1 John 4:16). Now I am not a liar because I have learned to love (1 John 4:20-21). I get it now.
The price for me to do this is deep but the payoff is much greater (Romans 8:18, Matthew 18:21-35). Because in the end I do lose out on claiming what is rightfully mine (to hate) but I gain the privilege to give someone something far better (forgiveness). Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Last night I saw a name of someone who had wronged me. I was doing me social media thing and the website (in all its infinite wisdom) suggested that we should be friends and connect. My immediate thought was "Bump that noise, playa!" and within an instant feelings of anger just sprouted up. It was like someone had placed the "Miracle Grow" for hate in my heart. I had to spend the next several minutes redirecting my thoughts of rage to love. It was crazy, I eventually moved on and was able to regain my focus and get some sleep.
Today while I was driving home from work I begin to ponder about forgiveness. I mean I know how to love and forgive, but I am so quick to remember an offense. While I was thinking about this God put a challenge on my heart. It was like He asked me "Right now if you forgave everyone one for ever offense they committed against you and offered them forgiveness for ever wrong they will commit against you, how would they look in your eyes. Would they look the same to you, would you see them with hate in your heart or a heart full of love?"
I had to think about that, when I thought about the person in terms of forgiveness for past, present, and future wrongs. All I could see was a person clean of sin. I did not see them as a liar, devil, or a hypocrite. All I could see was the person and not the sin. But when I gave away my hate I took away my right to treat them mean out of anger. I took away my right think evil thoughts about them. I took away my bitterness. I took away my right to call them a hypocrite. I took away my right to tell them "Go take an eternal dip in the Lake of Fire!" I took it all away...
But what about me, what about my feelings, what about my hurt, what about my pain? Who will vindicate me, who will speak up for me, who...someone tell me who!? Because if I give up my right to hate I look like a Joker ...I look a Jello Spine...I look like a Jester...I look like the spelling error "Jesun" instead of "Jason"...I look like Jesus...wait what!
By forgiving all past offenses, amending all of current wrongs against me, and any future hurt that may come I began to act like Jesus. I look like I am willing sacrificing myself and my right to do ill, think ill, and even hope ill towards someone. I am modeling Christ. I am wiping the slate clean and refusing to add to it. I am denying myself and gladly following Jesus now (Matthew 16:24). I am forgiving others over and over no matter what (Matthew 18:21-22). I am crucifying myself and saying "Lord forgive them, they don't get it (Luke 22:34)". Now I know God because I walk in love ( 1 John 4:8). Now I know I abide in God and God is in me because I walking in love and compassion (1 John 4:16). Now I am not a liar because I have learned to love (1 John 4:20-21). I get it now.
The price for me to do this is deep but the payoff is much greater (Romans 8:18, Matthew 18:21-35). Because in the end I do lose out on claiming what is rightfully mine (to hate) but I gain the privilege to give someone something far better (forgiveness). Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)