What a great time we had together last Sunday on Father’s Day. For those of us who were able to stay for the potluck lunch and games, it was a superb opportunity to connect while having lots of fun. The men of Freedom wanted to host the event and take care of the details and they did it all well. The beautiful sunny weather provided the ideal conditions for young and old to be outside and enjoy our open spaces.
I do want to reflect briefly on the worship service before the social time. If you were there then you heard Juno Park speak about his personal transformation directly connected to forgiveness. If you weren’t able to be there it’s worth your while to listen to the message on our website. I was struck by the simplicity of Juno’s story addressing a subject that people often complicate. He came to the realization that his own unforgiveness held him back in his spiritual, emotional and relational growth. It was only when Juno took ownership of his predicament without passing judgement or blame and asked God to forgive him and change him that he was released from its hold on him.
Unforgiveness should have no place in our hearts. It has no upside and lots of downside. You will not only hurt yourself the longer you hold onto your self-justifying attitudes and self-protecting patterns but you inflict damage on the people around you. Many times it’s those who you would never want to hurt like your spouse, children and friends that are negatively affected. It is possible to go for a long time without even realizing what your anger and bitterness are doing to you and others.
The good news is that you don’t have to live that way. You can change and be freed from the hold unforgiveness has on you. How? Just like Juno, you decide to take action and live responsibly before God. Admit to the Lord that you have unforgiveness towards someone or more than one person. Ask him to forgive your sin, and if you mean it he will do just that. Invite the Holy Spirit to change your heart so that you will see every person through Jesus’ eyes, with love and compassion. When you do this you will feel free in your spirit, your prayer life will be unhindered and your relationships will be healthier.
Take a look at the following Scriptures and write down what they say about the importance of forgiving others:
Proverbs 19:11
2 Corinthians 2:10,11
Matthew 6:14,15
Matthew 18:21-35
Colossians 3:13
This Sunday we have Sam Welten speaking to us about what’s going on through Possibilities International these days. Let’s come together once again to meet with God and connect with each other in an atmosphere of expectation and awe.
Blessings.
Pastor Del