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Have you ever thought another person caused you to become
angry? Have you desired something happen to that person?
This seems to be a very normal response to these types of
circumstances.
Do you forgive people for their actions? Have you ever really
considered what part your own reactions/ thoughts may have played
in your becoming angry? Have you thought of or considered
what changes could be made to prevent becoming angry?
These questions and more may give us insight into our spiritual
status. Consider for a moment the reaction of Jesus and Stephen as they were being put to death. "God forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Jesus--Luke 23:34) and "Lord lay not this sin to their charge, (Stephen--Acts 7:60)
Jesus and Stephen were aware of what ignorance can cause people to do. They were also aware of the attitude and behaviors
needed to forgive the actions of those who cause harm to
innocent persons. They did not judge their motives, but instead chose to forgive and teach.
The example set by the Lord and Stephen exists because of the
love they had for us. The care that they had for souls,
including ours.
If we have the love of people Jesus and Stephen exhibited, we
will modify our behavior to be in accord with the teachings of
the scripture.
Our own forgivenes relates to how we forgive others,
(the Lord's prayer- Matt. 6:9 -- 15; Matt. 18:22-35).
The ability to forgive, therefore, is a vital necessity in the
reflecting of God's love. As we grow in God's love and discernment, may our desire for "FORGIVENESS" and our willingness to forgive grow to reflect our Lord's.
Comments to PO Box 12 Killeen, Texas 7540
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