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There Is Freedom In Forgiveness!
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LET'S SAY SOMEONE --
* accidently steps on your toe
* cuts in front of you on the freeway
* says something that really hurts your feelings
COULD YOU FORGIVE THEM?
NOW, LET'S SAY SOMEONE --
* fired you for no apparent reason
* slept with your spouse
* abused you
NOW, COULD YOU FORGIVE THEM?
If you're like me, you can respond easily to the first set of examples above, but the second set puts forgiveness in an entirely different light. Forgiveness might not be the first thing to come to mind if you've fallen victim to these situations. Yet, if we are truly to be free, we must strive to do just that! True freedom lies in the act of forgiving those who don't deserve it. It is the freedom Christ sought for us on the cross. His act of supreme love and complete self-sacrifice literally freed us to walk through the gates of heaven to eternal life! Be free!
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THOUGHTS FOR JUNE.........
Maybe you've noticed the same thing about yourself that I have of late. Namely this: when I really, really, really want to do something....it happens. For example, last week I was focused on getting the furniture out of my garage and into my sunroom where it belongs.
Challenge? Having to scrub the floors, walls and ceiling before I could do anything.
Now, I like gardening, reading, teaching, and tons of other things...BUT I DON'T LIKE scrubbing anything. Still, I could envision evenings and mornings with my Bible and a cup of coffee....aaahhh, the peace :)
So, as David would say, I "encouraged myself in the Lord". It kind of went like this: Lord, I know I need to be accountable to the things I don't like to do, so I'm asking you to give me inspiration to get out there and get it done.
And I accomplished my goal.
Looking back I realize three actions occured that relate to anything -
1. Ask God for help.
2. Make an action plan including locating tools (scrub brush, shop vac, soap) ahead of time, setting a specifice date and delegating an estimated time frame in which to do a task.
3. Telling enough accountability partners who will bug you to make it happen.
A large part of achieving what we are called to do is encompassed by what we do not want to do in the beginning. But, now that I can find peace in that little room anytime I want...it's easy to see......the rewards are worth it.
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