Let Go and Forgive
I was reading an article this morning about change and I reflected on all the change that surrounds us. There are changes in the economy, rental market, food prices, within the church; and then I stopped to reflect on the changes with my relationship with Jesus.
If you are not changing as much in your relationship with Him ask yourself what it is that you are doing or not doing that is the reason. You see; where you go with Him is up to you.The enemy will do everything he can to distract you from getting in relationship with Him, from giving your time to Him; and from reading your Bible. Have you ever noticed that when you want to read your Bible you have an itch, the dog needs to go out, you get tired, thirsty, people who haven’t called you in 50 years all the sudden do so; and the list goes on. Before you attempt to go to church you fight with your spouse, people drive slower, Starbucks line is too long to wait in because you want the good seat. Oh- and then you get there only to realize you forgot your Bible- and hers too. Perhaps you have been there. I hope you see the game. And no not the football game but rather the game the enemy is playing with your life. Forgive yourself for not seeing it; and then do something about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euO-31_EvMg
Time is running out and the message of forgiveness and love is a message that we must get and soon because life is changing before our very eyes. The only thing we have to give to Jesus is ourselves. And if you choose to give more time to your hobby than Him what will you have; more trophies? More trophies won’t do much for you in crisis. But He will!
And so I say all of this to say that when you set your mind on Him and the things above; you will start to see the snares. You will see the traps before you fall into them. There will always be another football game, another fashion trend, phone; another dance competition. There will always be another something to steal your time away from Him. That is what it’s designed to do. And when you see it and overcome it you will have victory. Your eyes will not bother with the things below because you and your heart will be set on the things above; the thing that is most important: your relationship with Him.
Don’t take it for granted. You would hate to turn back and He’s not there because you forsook Him. Go to Him while you still can; He is waiting.
For more about love and forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Check your local listing. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv Also on Roku and On-Demand
For prayer requests and free resources visit www.julieblair.com
God created man for relationship. That is clear starting Genesis yet because of sin everything changed. While Adam and Eve weren’t born into sin we know that we are and that for us to hear from God it requires spending time with Him. As such an increased in hearing from God can come through forgiveness. On the opposite end not dealing with issues of forgiveness only creates separation from Him which leads many in the direction clearly not of God.
What I didn’t know or even realize or have a clue of was that my unforgiveness was keeping me separated from God. While it may sound obvious and now it is; the catch was that I did not even know I had an ounce of unforgiveness at all. I guess I may have fallen into the word of faith movement; name it and claim and it and so I probably claimed forgiveness but never actually did anything but speak it only to find out years later that if you do nothing you are worse off. And so I was.
I was living my life thinking it was everyone else yet in reality I was the one in sin and yes; unforgiveness is sin. I was the one who needed to repent and I was the one that had the decreased hearing from God. And all the while I blamed God. Go figure that in my disobedience I was so prideful to think the issue was God. So if you are saying God doesn’t talk to you or that you don’t hear from Him; it’s not Him. It’s you. Yes. It is you.
The increase in hearing will come when you make the choice to obey God’s Word and just do it; which by the way isn’t first from Nike but in God’s Word.Matthew 6:4 starts the sentence with ‘Just do it’. So yet again God’s Word proves there is nothing new under the sun; not even a slogan. And in an increased hearing from God your life will change.
So how does forgiveness increase healing? Three simple ways:
- Forgiveness is sin dealt with. Unforgiveness is sin and sin separates us from God. It doesn’t matter how big or large; separation is separation. And being off the mark can prove disastrous; just ask any sniper. It is your choice to be obedient and repent of the sin so that you can move forward and live in obedience. Acts 3:19 is clear ‘Repent, and seek forgiveness so that times of refreshing may come.’ Nothing that you want comes without repentance first. When you repent you are dealing with the sin at hand and unforgiveness is a big one most don’t recognize.
- Forgiveness corrects your perception. Your perception when living in unforgiveness is distorted. There is no way for it to not be. And with about 40 symptoms of unforgiveness (https://julieblair.com/product/overcoming-symptoms-of-unforgiveness/) it is no wonder why people aren’t living in the power and authority; or hearing from God as they should be. Every symptom of unforgiveness distorts your perception of you, your involvement in whatever situation it was or is, the other people involved; and even God. In my life my incorrect perception had me believing that my mother didn’t want me and therefore I lived a life based upon the rejection and abandonment. Once I forgave her I learned something. When she my shared the events and the ultimatum she was given by the social worker who was trying to buy me everything changed. I realized that this wasn’t a mother who hated her daughter but rather a mother in a situation of having her child taken and sold on the baby black market! Who would have ever thought? And see; unforgiveness keeps you living in the mindset that only you have based upon what you know. Well; when living that closed off God could speak anything to you but you wouldn’t be in proper position to receive it because of all the internal clutter. That was me. Forgive and see your perception change to be more in alignment with Him and His Word and ways.
- Forgiveness restores your relationship with Jesus. When sin is dealt with life is different. When the internal clutter is unloaded life too is different. It’s like going to the gym without having to actually go or sweat. The relationship with Jesus can be restored simply through forgiveness. It’s the removal of sin that restores us to Christ. On the other hand the choice to not deal with it simply means choosing the separation. Either way a choice must be made. As you are restored to who God created you to be your hearing will increase.
God has a plan for the life of everyone created; His Word tells us so in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” And in dealing with the sin of unforgiveness it will be much easier to hear what that plan is and then take the steps necessary to live out that plan. Let it be known that included in that plan is a relationship with you. And if you want the fullness of it it will require getting over yourself to overcome unforgiveness to hear from Him. And when you do it will be a sweet melody of life change for your beautiful future in Jesus name.
Did you know that through love and obedience in Christ in all things you will inherit the Kingdom? Yep. But if you choose to ignore His ways and teachings then you miss out. You will not inherit anything but what you deserve. Period. Tough lesson but it’s the reality of what happens when you disregard God and His Word.
I missed out on for a long time. I thought I was doing right by going to church. I didn’t grow up in the church I grew up in the world. And so it was just show up on Sunday with your best clothes on. That is what I knew.
I went to the bar Saturday night and I thought I was cool setting my midnight curfew and then church on Sunday. It’s what everyone else did so why not? It doesn’t matter what city you are in; it’s the same. I didn’t realize it until I moved and saw it. Dallas is no different than Denver is no different than Seattle; no different than Nova Scotia. Churchgoers all around yet where is the power and authority in Christ? Where is the love? Where is the forgiveness? Where is the obedience to all of God’s Word? I thought those 2 hours a week would really get me to the fullness of Christ- NOT! There was no fruit; there can’t be. It’s like straddling a wooden fence and thinking you won’t get splinters.
I was told years later if I wanted radical change in my life and relationship with Jesus it would require 40+ hours per week; and the man that told me wasn’t kidding. I didn’t know what that meant or how 40 hours would work out with hockey season starting and all. I wasn’t sure how I would endure all of it but I chose and it was worth it. Beyond anything I can tell you!
You must choose. You must adopt the full lifestyle of being a follower of Jesus if you claim you are; otherwise you are making everyone else and yourself look like idiots. It’s not a very good witness and I know you know you that. I know that you may not know what to do with yourself if you don’t go the bar; and in Dallas I get it. But it’s everywhere and the choice is still yours. Why not choose the better thing? Jesus is better than a night at the bar. He’s better with you alone anywhere than you with some stranger who’s name you don’t know. He is better than anything you could have experienced with anyone around you; and He is waiting for more of that just with you. With you; no pretense just you and Him.
You see time is running out. Look around. It is really running out and you don’t want to miss out all because you thought the scotch tasted good and he or she was attractive. You don’t want to miss out for one more sale that isn’t going to really get you the dream job that you already know won’t make you happy. Time is running out. Make the choice for what is most important. In the end you can’t take your career, BMW 3 series of Christian Louboutin’s with you. But you can take the love of Jesus with you!
For more about love and forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv or watch on Roku or On-Demand.
If you look around you may notice things changing; and rapidly. During this time you don’t want to less forgiveness pass you by. No unforgiveness is like the thief in the night and if you are not careful you will lose your life. And you are worth more than dying from unforgiveness; don’t you think?
You see; it’s easy to be unforgiving. Society makes it so easy. The State of Oklahoma recently removed the 10 Commandments, in Los Angeles just yesterday the streets were blocked by muslims because it was their prayer time. And if that isn’t enough the people who made the videos outting Planned Parenthood are being indicted. Statues of former presidents are being removed because some find them offensive and on it goes. And still; we must forgive. Forgive before it’s too late. We must love and love before it’s too late.
It is vital to recognize the ploy of the enemy. It simply stated in scripture is to kill, steal and destroy. If you are not on the offense living in forgiveness then by default you are on the defense and trust me; that is no way to live! The thing you must know is that once you live in forgiveness you don’t ever want to go back to living any other way; regardless of what buildings are burning or who is killing whom around you. You will recognize that your heart and the heart of others is too precious. You will recognize the love of Jesus is far greater than you could have ever imagined. You will stand firm on the Word of God regardless of what someone else thinks or attempts to force you to do. You will not be swayed-no not you.
And so on this day recognize that things are changing. The stock market is moving, the color of America is not what it once was and the world may be getting smaller but it doesn’t mean it’s a better place. But rest assured when you live in forgiveness in Christ there is no weapon formed against you that will stand. But; if you choose to be disobedient it will not only impact you but those around you and now is the time for us to impacting the lives of others and not infecting them. We have enough infection it’s time to be filled with forgiveness and love and hope for that future we all have and while we still can.
For more about forgiveness and love in abundance watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CT. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv Watch also On-Demand and Roku.
Failed relationships are not uncommon among people. They change, grow apart, find new interests, move; and a myriad of other things. While statistics continue to reveal that in marital relationships; the divorce rate continues to increase although there is much debate as the cause. The current divorce rate for first time marriage is higher than 50% while for second or third marriage it is said to be even higher.
Many will say that the cause for divorce is marriage which is true; however, it is much deeper than most people will discuss or even recognize. The rate for couples going their separate ways after living common law is also increasing since more people are choosing to cohabitate compared to getting married. Toss into the mix the number of homosexuals who get involved in intimate relationships and additional statistics will reveal more broken relationships. The reasons? The so called relationships experts will claim the proverbial lack of communication, trust, times are changing, financial reasons; and more. While all of these may contribute; not one of them is the hidden core that is left un-investigated. In parent-child relationships it too is evident. Yes the problems may not be the same; however, the outcome still desecrates the lives of those who unknowingly let it.
It is the one killer of relationships that contaminates more people than cancer. It breeds to every area of a person’s life and causes much internal struggle, selfishness, rage, envy, control, bitterness and resentment. It takes no prisoners and it destroys lives through every thought, action; and future behavior. It breaks people down and tortures their lives beyond their wildest imagination. It is one thing that no pill or chemotherapy can cure. It is something so small that can change one’s life in a matter of seconds to the detriment of everyone involved. It ruins lives without fail or hesitation to unsuspecting victims who are too focused on themselves to see what is actually taking their lives. What it is? It is un-forgiveness.
Un-forgiveness is very unforgiving in the pain that it is known to cause. Not only does un-forgiveness wreck havoc on a person spiritually; its physical manifestation is clear for all to see. Unforgiveness has been defined by Worthington and colleagues (Worthington, Sandage,& Berry, 2000; Worthington & Wade, 1999) as a combination of delayed negative emotions (i.e., resentment, bitterness, hostility, hatred, anger, and fear) toward a transgressor. It is clear to understand in this definition how the negative emotions lead to negative thoughts as well as negative or even criminal behaviors. Yes the almost 40 symptoms of un-forgiveness cause one to behave in a manner contrary to the Word of God; however, it is the un-forgiveness that is the root to the internal problem that destroys lives. In addition; for the Christian the consequences are much deeper with a much higher price to pay. Matthew 6:14-15 reads: “
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV)
There are a few words that must be further discussed in order to truly understand the importance of this message. The first word to understand is ‘if’ because this places the responsibility on the person who needs to forgive. To be obedient to Christ this means that forgiveness is a command not an option for a rainy day. ‘If’ a person forgives ‘then’ he or she will be forgiven. It is also important to note that there are over 176 places in the Bible where ‘If you then I’ are stated. There is no way around obedience to Christ through being unforgiving toward anyone for their actions. And if you want healthy, sustainable, godly relationships, family, community and society then it starts with you; and it starts with you living in forgiveness.
There is a time for everything and everything in its time. God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th. What He did during the time on the 7th day in terms of rest is left to speculation but rest assured; it was His time. When it comes to forgiveness it too has a time.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it tells us: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’ which must include forgiveness because it is a command right? Everything is inclusive of all things. We know there is a time for peace and a time for war; a time to tear down and a time to build. And we must grasp in its entirety what that means; else we lose out and in more ways that most can imagine. Forgiveness in many ways is a tearing down and building up as you are tearing down what once was so that what is new can be begin.
You see; there is a time to forgive, be forgiven, and seek forgiveness. The time is now. Yes this very moment and not any time sooner or later. The time is not when you get around to it; or when you think someone else should step up to the plate. No no. There never is not the time now when forgiveness is a command therefore it is always time. You may think that it is on your time; except it will become very challenging to live the life that God has for you on your terms. So your time must be on God’s- and forgiveness is all the time.
Do not treat forgiveness like laundry. Do not attempt it at the latest time possible and only because you don’t feel like going to Wal Mart to buy another 3 pack and so laundry it is. Don’t do that. Many people live their lives this way and what happens is that they and everyone around them and everyone around them too; suffer the consequences. And all just because you wanted what you wanted on your time with no regard for the time around you or the time ahead of you; or the time that you are in. And guess what? You are not most people. Therefore; you cannot live to the ways and means of others or in their time. There is something better for you. And to get it you must act now.
What happens with the mindset of forgiving when you feel like it means you never will; like cleaning the garage. Most people don’t truly ever feel like forgiving; especially when they fell unjustified in even needing to do so in the first place. Don’t fall into that trap. Regardless of what people feel like does not change the fact that forgiveness is a command and yes a choice; but so is life or death. In choosing life it is a choice to choose what comes with it and in the time that it is set to be. While forgiveness may be a process and a healing one at that; does not mean that it is something to be waited to do after your favorite program, after you get married and divorced; or after the Detroit Lions win the Superbowl but rather a lifestyle to achieve and with urgency. The time is now. You never know what will be lost in the time that you chose to not forgive. So don’t wait to find out. Find out all of what happens and will continue to happen when you forgive. Make forgiveness now. Do it for you, do it for those around you; and do it to demonstrate your love and obedience to Christ. Do it now; and then live and bask in it forever.
For more about forgiveness and love watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CT on the UANetwork. Check your local listing or stream live at www.uanetwork.tv
Each religion has an idea of forgiveness and an interpretation; although the relationship with their Creator is what appears to be missing some in them. Forgiveness may be a part of their ideas although striving to be a better person does not mean that you are. It would be like believing that if you drive your vehicle faster you will become it. In the end being better person may be good if this is the only goal; although being better does not mean anything other than trying harder to not repeat mistakes. And if you subscribe to a religion that has no standards you are only fooling yourself. Sin is sin whether we like it or not and living in it doesn’t change because we just don’t see it. I lived in the sin of unforgiveness for decades and argued that I did not; until I saw the truth. John 8:32 tells us plainly, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV) In knowing the truth it will be up to you to take the steps necessary to doing something with it. Unless something is done and there is restoration of self to your Creator or Abba Father then what really is the point? What would be the point of spending a lifetime trying to be a better person on this earth and still end up going to hades when you die? Once I understood the larger picture of forgiveness as a Christian I grew to the level of maturity of forgiveness and the magnificent role that it should play in the hearts and lives of every Believer.
In Christianity, forgiveness is beyond the act of sin. When there is forgiveness of sins there is a transformation within the person to the original intent that God had in mind. There is a restoration of the person to the Father that takes place that cannot take place in other religions. A man made religion does not restore anyone to who they were created to be because no one knows! These other religions are simply based upon individuals seeking themselves for self-change and then trying to manifest their own change for self-glory and that is even if there is a reason to need forgiveness in the first place.
The life change that occurs through the process of forgiveness is just one reason why it is so important in the life of a Christian. I didn’t know that until I went through it. I did not know how forgiveness would impact my life. Not only this; I had no clue the impact that unforgiveness had on my life and would have continued to have on my life and those around me. The best example I can share takes us back to New Years Eve 2006 and the beginning of 2007.
I spent two full days in my room forgiving. I was given a deadline of what must occur and my elders would pray in agreement with me to ensure that every open doorway of unforgiveness was closed. And so happy New Year! I endured through that time persisting to know what forgiveness was and how or where to begin. I went before the Father and stood there in silence. Then as I fell to my knees I cried; and the continued for what was probably minutes but felt like hours. I was unsure of what I was doing although I knew I had a task to complete and that if I failed my life would be as miserable as it had been to that point. As the hours went by and God spoke clearly to me what the process was, to whom I needed to forgive and all the details that were required my healing and deliverance through forgiveness was in full force.
By the end of the two full days in my room I was never the same. I sent two letters to two people sharing my forgiveness toward them for the pain and agony they caused to my life. One was to my adoptive mother for the abuse I endured at her hands the other was to my biological mother who abandoned me at age three. Both responded. Both lives have been changed.
My adoptive mother apologized for the pain she caused me and asked for forgiveness. She did not know the depth of her actions. My biological mother actually called me and we spoke. Since that time she has given her life to Jesus, became baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit. She has received many spiritual gifts and is a guest host on my television program ‘Living in Forgiveness.’ To underestimate forgiveness is to underestimate the commands and outcomes of God’s Word.
The importance of forgiveness is that it is what will change your life and who you are in Christ. It will change your relationships with other people and with the Father. You cannot not be changed when obedient to the Word of God. So why not make 2016 the year and today the day that your relationship with Christ, your obedience to Him; and your life changing in abundance in Him be the resolutions that you live by? Mark my words- you won’t regret it.
For more about freedom in forgiveness in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CT on the UANetwork. Check your local listing or stream live at www.uanetwork.tv. For prayer requests and resources visit www.julieblair.com
God gave every person free will. While each person was and is created in His image; this does not mean that a person has to stay within that realm. The freedom of choice to choose any lifestyle is up to each person; however, let it be known that God’s Word also provides us with the rewards and consequences of all of the choices made at any given time. As a result; Deuteronomy makes it very clear in verse 30: 15: “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.” (NLT) The beginning statement of the verse too is a command for all people reading the Word that they must pay attention. The following sentence explains that there is a choice and in choosing one comes what comes with it and the other choice what too comes with it. One must think wisely about the choices made as every choice comes with an outcome. People have the power to choose because God is a just God. God gave man dominion over the earth and of themselves. If God did not provide free will; then He would not be a just God and there would have been no need for His Son to die on the cross to save anyone from their sins. God could then be considered a liar which is contrary to who He is. In her book, ‘Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook’ June Hunt writes that ‘You must face the truth of what actually happened and not hinder true healing with rationalization and false thinking.’ (P 178 p4) Getting to a place of forgiveness is a choice and moving from the false ideas that one has about the given situation and person to the reality without rationalization is key. While it is key it too can prove to be challenging because every person has a level of bias although overcoming that bias is possible. Once a person makes the choice; through forgiveness he or she will probably recognize that a correction of perception took place.
Before the act of forgiveness a person may believe it occurred this way or that; although after the fact the entire situation and perception is different. In my life, I was abandoned by my biological mother and left to be put in a foster home. I lived there for two years until I was adopted into an abusive adoptive home. I lived in that home for nine years until my adoptive parents placed me in a homeless shelter. I met my biological mother almost 30 years later and while I still hated her at that time it was after I forgave her that I learned the truth. Everything changed in that moment and forevermore.
What I learned was that the reason I never saw her again during our court appointed visits was because the case worker gave her an ultimatum that if she would have to sell me to him for $10,000.00 or never see me again. When she said no he simply changed the appointment time and we never saw each other again. I believed she abandoned me all over again and that I truly was a throwaway. No answers were given. Not one answer; that was until we were reunited decades later. The truth revealed changed everything. No longer did I view her as this fat, sloppy, lazy incapable person who I loathed but to someone who lost a child.
My heart was filled with compassion toward her and that healing in Christ took place. My life and hers was forever changed. It was a choice to forgive and another choice to let go of the deep seeded pain that caused so much turmoil in my life. Through this one example; it is my prayer for you that the lesson of forgiveness is not one to be taken lightly as disobedience is not honored in God’s Kingdom. Not only this; people perish when we choose the route of disobedience; or really the route of death.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 it reads that, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (NIV) To begin with further examination; when a person chooses life his or her children may live. If this isn’t a reason to choose life and forgiveness then who knows what a good reason is! We must grasp that forgiveness and unforgiveness are passed down from generation to generation. Your children will live what you give them to. Through the choice of life; future generations have not only hope but a chance at the life God intends for them too. They will not have to overcome the turmoil you leave them; should you be obedient and leave them with something like forgiveness and love. As one example it is evident in today’s society that there is a need for forgiveness so to stop the racial divide that is lingering and growing in the United States and across the world. Television and the media have mastered the art of stirring emotions of the people to get the impact desired. According to the Charles Johnston, MD., “Soap operas and afternoon talk shows prosper through their ability to whip up polarized emotions. And the evening news, sold as television’s time for serious analysis, has increasingly become an ever more predictable litany of each day’s killings and disasters. Serious information is secondary at best.” http://www.medialit.org/reading-room/addicted-violence-has-american-dream-become-nightmare When we examine not just the fact of what the outcome is; but rather the intent it is one that unless you are aware of it you will fall victim. When we as individuals, Christians, a nation grasp what the larger picture is then and only then will we be on the offense to stop the hatred and living in unforgiveness. Until we turn off the television and open our Bibles will we be able to see that love can and will reign. The acts of the wicked are all around us but so long as we engage in falling into the trap of allowing our emotions to get involved; we will only exacerbate the problem; regardless of whether or not we claim we go to Church on Sunday.
The choice to live in forgiveness is primarily the choice to be obedient to God’s Word; and also a choice to let go of the past. We must realize that in order to continue forward living in peace with ourselves, in our relationships with Jesus and with others that it must be done. The acts of the forefathers have come and gone and the choice to perpetuate the hatred toward future generations through unforgiveness is only stealing our lives and the lives of our future generations.
Restoration to God is needed because of the choices made in Genesis that caused Adam and Eve to fall. It was never God’s intent for people to be separated from Him. It is not His intent for people today to be separated from Him; yet by the choice to be disobedient to forgiveness; people are. It is very clear in Gen 3:9-10: “But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?’ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” How often in your life are you hiding from God; all the while He is just waiting for you to be real and return to Him?
When examining this scripture is must be stated that God would be not need to ask Adam and Eve where they were because God is the all-knowing, omnipotent God. He not only did not need to ask where Adam and Eve were; He also knew the decision that they were going to make before they made the decision. He already knows our thoughts and motives and what His purest intentions are; along with what His original plan is for our lives. As we begin to understand how unforgiveness and forgiveness both play a part; we will be able to recognize the changes that manifest either bring us further or closer to Him.
Let it also be known and stated that Adam and Eve would not need to hide if they had not sinned in the first place. It is very clear that sin keeps people hiding; and that is bondage. People today in society are suffering at alarming rates trying to hide in their sins yet it is on display for the world to see. It does not matter if it is sex outside of marriage, living a homosexual lifestyle; or anything else contrary to His Word. Anything not of Him separates and keeps people separated from Him in every realm of life. It is no different than a child hiding today from a parent because of the cookies stolen out of the cookie jar. The separation caused by sin is evident in every facet of life and through forgiveness; it can be restored.
The final point about this scripture that is revealing and should give every person hope is that Adam through his answer, ‘…He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid” that he heard from God. He also reveals he had a relationship with God. God spoke directly to Adam and Eve and they heard Him. You see; God is no different today in that He is speaking to you and perhaps more often than you have ever known or realized. Because God is the same yesterday, today and forever; (Hebrews 13:8) it should give people worldwide hope that they too can hear from God and that God will speak to them. If you are struggling with hearing from God go before Him. Look around you. Just pause and look around. Ask Him to speak to you in a way that you can understand; let it be clear as a fencepost. He is there and speaking directly to you; it is simply a matter of learning how to pay attention. It is a matter of being still before Him. It is a matter of choice and a matter of removing all the obstacles that keep you separated from Him. But rest assured of this; He is there waiting for that communication with you! It is just one reason why He created you from before the foundation of the earth.
Forgiveness is a command. It is a way of life that brings peace, restoration, healing and much more that each person will experience through the lifestyle of forgiveness. While there are the commonly known ’10 Commandments’ there are also others that are important to note.
The most relevant for discussion is reviewed in Matthew 18-21-22 “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” What is of utmost importance in these scriptures is not the fact that Peter asked the questions in the first place as most would think. The most important and unnoticed point is that Peter already knew he was to forgive! Yes he knew what he was supposed to do; although it may appear that he too struggled with it because he too was just a man.
Forgiveness and the command to do it is not the shock for most; it is the fact that they actually have to that is where life gets tricky! It is the letting go of the emotions of pain, anger, hurt, resentment, and myriad of others that take poll position. In the position of Peter; he already knew that his brothers would sin against him. He already knew that it would be more than one time and for more than one thing. He knew. He again is no different than you or me. Do you not know that people are all alike and all fall short of His glory? With this; it then should make simple the mere fact that people are going to make mistakes; no different than you or me.
Through forgiveness and it being a lifestyle; it will help deter the attack from the enemy when there is pain. You see; if you are on the offense in forgiveness; when others come against you in some form or fashion you will know how to handle it properly. It is when there is no proper understanding in place that when a situation brings a blind-side to your life that you won’t have to take longer to heal and recover from. You will already know and will be on the offense. Does it mean there will be no pain? Certainly not. But what it is does mean is that like Peter; you must know that pain and hurt will come and that forgiveness will be required.
This is why it is imperative to be on the side of God and know His Word so that when times of pain come; you are equipped to stand firm on His Word and believe and accept that He will never leave you or forsake you. This is why it too is important to understand and grasp forgiveness so that you are able to be obedient to the command in God’s Word and also live in the freedom that it provides. If not; the consequences will be in abundance and leave you living in lack overall with a reduced quality of life. And that certainly is not one that is befitting of a Christian who is expected to live in the authority of Jesus Christ.
People today are no different. We all already know we need to forgive; however, as a result of God being God His Word provides everyone who has ears to hear and eyes to see with the ability to know His Word and be able to follow all the commands in it. God provides the instruction, direction and outcome of all of His Word. There is not one answer not provided for in His Word. Forgiveness is one such a command that has everything inclusive of it for the act to be delivered and the rewards that come through and with it.
What must be understood is that regardless of what other people think or do; obedience to His Word should and must reign supreme for all Believers. Forgiveness is not the excusing of any act or behavior but rather a display of an act of the command to forgive. And to be obey is better than to sacrifice.