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.
The most important command in the Bible is clear; and it’s serious. The command to love they neighbor it is written in Mark 12:31 ‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Interesting isn’t it? You may have grown up hearing it but not now where it comes from. I ask again- do you really love your neighbor? It seems in our society that we love twitter, we love a great shoe sale or Duke basketball; even when they miss a championship here or there. But do we love the obese man next door? Do we love the African American across the? Do we love the homosexual couple? Or do we just think we are speaking a good idea in theory?
See; all too often we interact with people and base whether we like them on political stances instead of the people themselves. You like more Democrats if you are one and well; Republicans too like their kind. The Bible is clear to love and missing that means we miss the entire point. Remember it was Jesus at the well speaking to the woman out of love. It was Jesus that died for your sins and for mine; and if you ever claim to be a follower of Christ but have no love then are you truly His follower? Everyone wants to be accepted for who they are and right where they are. Don’t you? The good news is that you are if you merely look to Jesus.
Today I ask you: “Are you loving your neighbor?” Are you living in the land of love or are you too busy judging others because they are not the size 2, driving the vehicle that you think is cool, or drinking your favorite beer? They don’t agree with your stance on refugees or Donald Trump and therefore you are just not ok with them. Are you forcing tolerance in the name of tolerance while being intolerant yourself? Are you looking down on someone because they don’t attend your 40k member mega-church? Or better yet; judging those ministers publicly because of something you think they stand for instead of realizing that in love you cover a multitude of sins? It is simply not the place of any of us to judge anyone as that in and of itself is sin. Who is anyone to look at the life and path of another and condemn them? Am I not just as guilty for the sins I have committed? Sin is sin and we have to remember that. Sure the outcome may be different but that simply is not the point for this moment.
It’s amazing how many don’t realize the magnificent and the magnitude of the words Jesus spoke before His death: ‘Forgive them Father for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34) and how true it is! People are hurting by their sins so why judge them even more?
I remember a few years ago I was walking out of a store and a strange gentleman asked me my plans for the evening. I replied ‘none’ and his reply was ‘oh another beautiful lady home on a Friday night.’ Ouch! What I saw though was that the pretty ladies are judged for their looks just as much as the not so pretty ladies; whatever they even look like. In the end- all are home alone on a Friday night and still be judged. And that’s not cool!
We are only called to love our neighbors. It’s that simple. None of us know the specific path that someone has been through. We just don’t. Know one has walked my journey with me except for Jesus and the same is for you. I will be dealt with on Judgment Day as will all of us whether we believe it or; like it or not or want it or not. Through all of this so long as we hold over those who we believe are more sinful than ourselves we are simply playing God. It is not up to any of us to place ourselves in that position as what we think today may be different tomorrow. It is only our responsibility and duty to reach out and love our neighbors and demonstrate that love so that others can see the light and forever be changed. It is our duty to love. And through forgiveness more love will come.
Unforgiveness kills. Plain and simple. Many may call it cancer; however, it is a heart condition that spreads like cancer; reaching every single part of a person’s being. Unforgiveness literally kills you. Now that you know this; what is the cure? Well; the most basic and foundation element if you are a follower of Christ is quite simple. What is it? What could possibly heal one of what is causing death and destruction? God’s Word. And following God’s Word; else what would be the point? Too many people today have missed the latter although it goes like this:
Repent. Sure you may say of what but let me first provide supporting scripture. Acts 3:19 makes it very clear: “Repent and then seek forgiveness so that times of refreshing may come. ” (NKJ) Now the NIV puts it this way: “19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” so either way you put it- there is something for ‘you’ to do. Repent of harboring the unforgiveness because otherwise God’s Word would not say to start there. If you have nothing wrong then the verse would need not be there. Refusing to repent causes what is there to continue to be there and spread in ways you can’t possibly imagine. The times of refreshing come ‘after’ repentance so it reads. It’s quite simple. Follow the steps if you want the desired outcome. It’s a two part step with an outcome.
What occurs spiritually in a person manifests itself physically and that is your choice. What are you allowing to rule you? God’s Word is also true in Romans 12:2 “2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” There is a command of what not to do and secondly; there is another command of what to do- oh and again with the outcome of it.
See; God’s Word is the same yesterday and forever. Society is not. And so when you read God’s Word it is very clear that Believers are not to conform to the pattern of the world but be ‘transformed’ by the renewing of the mind. Now- God’s Word would not give a command to do something unless it was possible for it to be done. There is a means of renewing the mind. Apostle Paul would not have talked about such things if he did not know. Scientists and doctors like Caroline Leaf would not share that when you align your mind with scripture your life changes. Your brain is required and the electrons in it are reprogrammed as what is not of God is replaced with what is of God. In essence we need more of God’s Word and truth for healing and less drugs; but I digress.
And so it goes unforgiveness isn’t only a heart condition but also a sin. It is sin against God which is why repentance is required. It does not matter what anyone has done to you; but what you do about it. Period. And again; God’s Word reads ‘repent’. This is the first place to start because harboring unforgiveness is as I said a sin but also a silent killer.
Unforgiveness has almost 40 symptoms. Yes- 40! Yet most people never get past anger or resentment to recognize how deep unforgiveness goes into the entire body and being of who they are. Let’s include just for fun bitterness, separation from God, blocked blessings; just to name a few. And this is how your life is wrecked. See; you have an assignment. When you live in unforgiveness it keeps you from living it out. And too many people are not living out their assignments from God because they are too busy dying of unforgiveness. Don’t let that be you!
Once you understand howunforgiveness takes over the body and every single aspect of it- you will want to get rid of all of and quick! Let it be known that most of what people have internally is only able to be revealed through the power of God, Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Hence; why we all need a savior and relationship with Christ. How do I know? Because when I had to go through God’s full process of forgiveness my eye color changed and my voice changed. God gave me the revelation from His Word about how deep this truly is and my prayer for you is that you would not wait another day thinking you are free of unforgiveness when probably deep down there has been something lingering. This is not psychotherapy or anything else as anything not of God is simply not of God and never can be of God.
Should you be sick and tired of being sick and tired and want healing in the full it’s time to get real- and quick. It’s time to stop allowing yourself to be a victim focusing on what others have done that they probably don’t even have a clue that they’ve done. It’s time to grasp that reality that God’s Word is real and true and that time is of the essence.
Get with the One who heals, who redeems; the One who created you long before the foundation of the earth. The One who knows your pain and can take away your pain. You are too precious to live life dying when you don’t have to. Start with Acts 3:19 and let the times of refreshing come. They will. It takes one step at a time yet each step brings more power into the lives of those who forgive. I am living proof. And don’t you want to be too?
People are people. And people in the church are no different. Life changes when you get this revelation; at least it did for me. It’s a sad day when the truth is revealed. So then how do you handle it when you truly see the devastation caused by those in church leadership? How do you go forward when what you thought to be really wasn’t ever anything at all? How do you decipher truth from fiction? You forgive. Is it hard? Absolutely. But for your sanity, freedom and future you must forgive.
If you have ever attended a church and or been part of a church split you know the difficulty of it. If you have ever been spiritually abused you too know how hard it is to forgive. Those in leadership probably did things that you don’t even want to talk about. They probably stole years from your life and deceived you right there while praising the Lord Almighty singing and dancing. They probably did much more damage than you are even aware of. While it may take years to overcome you must forgive. Your life is too precious to live in the bondage of other people’s deception. When you put your trust in those in leadership roles and they fail you; things change. You must change too. What must you forgive?
1) You must forgive yourself putting more faith in man than God. It’s a weird thing to me how many people talk more about how wonderful their pastor is compared to what Jesus has done for them. ‘Oh my pastor says this, says that’ and on and on- but what does Jesus say? If you are relying more on man’s word than God it’s an issue. Ask yourself if you put your pastor or leader above God in the idolizing and then repent and seek forgiveness according to Acts 3:19. The Word is clear that you shall have no other gods. That includes the god of pastor.
2) You must forgive yourself for allowing their poison to put you in bondage. The bondage that others are allowed to put you in is by your doing. They will continue to pour into your life all things terrible so long as you allow them to. It doesn’t matter what they have done; your level of forgiveness is what is required and between you and the Lord. From personal experience; it was the leaders that taught me so much and then turned on me it hurt. I never imagined that they were just so hateful. Never. The worse thing about it was that they didn’t even hide it. Nope. I’m not sure if that is good or bad but it surely was out there without a doubt. It personally changed every single thing in my life and my prayer is that regardless of what they have done you no longer accept them to have that control. Those who like and thrive on control will continue to use it as a breeding ground. And their behavior is not a reflection of God. And your unforgiveness toward yourself or them won’t be either.
3) You must forgive them for their wicked, evil and vile ways. The wolf in sheep’s clothing is moving to and fro- do you see it? If you are not paying attention you won’t. If you are not careful to forgive and do it quick; they win. Their wickedness can destroy you if you are not careful. If they choose to live like Jezebel; let them. It’s not how you want to live! And in case you don’t know- Jezebel was mauled by dogs. Best to get them out of your system and move on toward more important things; like giving God the praise and glory that you are no longer being under that leadership and authority!
In many cities church is business. I remember moving to Dallas and everyone asking me ‘what church do you go to’ as though it was a status to say this one or that. It made me miss my old church in Denver that much more. I don’t follow church; I follow Jesus. It’s that simple. You see; it isn’t about being followers of leaders of churches to the point of elevating and worshiping them. It simply isn’t. It isn’t even about church if you get to the core of it. It’s about an intimate relationship with Christ and when you get away from that; things happen. And when they do; the damage is more than most can handle. When you walk straight with Christ and your brother in leadership falls; it’s forgiveness that is easier to fill your heart. Does it mean it’s easy? No just easier because you will have the Rock to stand on. When you are with Jesus you can rest in peace knowing that He will never leave you or forsake you. What better leader to have than that?
There may be a time in your life when people come against you. If there is stand strong. People are people and always reveal their ways. The jealousy, envy, greed or just plain hate may come against you by those who you love or work with; or even those who hate what you stand for. Your religion or beliefs may cause hate but what you stand for is what is important. When they do come against you with nothing good in store the message for you is quite simple. Forgive. You must forgive.
You see; the important thing to remember is that what is in your heart is reflected outward. So ask yourself: what it is my heart? Revenge? Payback? Hatred? Don’t let it enter. Cast down those thoughts! Take them captive. You are worth more than the negative thoughts of what others have done to you.
Those who have anger and all things negative are revealing much about what is in their heart. Perhaps someone you work with is jealous of the promotion you just received. Forgive. If someone in your church has come against you for the favor that God has given you; forgive. If your ministry is growing at a faster rate than others and they don’t like it; forgive. Whatever it is against you forgive. Those that come against you have no clue to their ways; but the God almighty does! And God knows what your ways are too. Let them be in proper alignment with Him.
The only thing that should be your concern is your level of obedience to Christ. Period. What other people do is not of your concern. What other people say about you is not your concern. What other people attempt to do to you is not your concern. It really isn’t. The only concern is your obedience and forgiveness for it is the Truth that makes you free.
The Word tells us that the days are evil and the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. Knowing this- it should be so surprise when people truly show who and what they are. When they do; forgive. It isn’t about them anyway. It’s about you and your relationship with Him. And on this day make all things about you about the One who created you. And then you will see more of His glory in ways unimaginable.
Forgiveness is something that impacts every single living person; regardless of anything. It doesn’t matter socioeconomic status, age, gender, marital status; nothing matters. Forgiveness impacts. Where forgiveness begins too has impact. The question is where does forgiveness begin?
Forgiveness begins in the mind. You see; forgiveness is a choice. Where do you make any choice in your day? Your mind. Sure you may feel something in your heart but regardless of what you ‘feel’ you still make the choice in your mind. The choice to purchase the fabulous pumps, eat this or that; exercise or not exercise all begin in the mind. Adam and Eve were faced with a choice to be obedient and eat from the tree. They didn’t have to make that choice; but they did. They made the choice in their mind. They knew what they should do but again; they made a choice. The wrong choice. And that was conceived in their minds.
So what is in your mind? How do you make decisions? What is the level of forgiveness that you want to achieve in your life? What is the choice that you are going to make when it comes to forgiveness?Are you going to allow how you ‘feel’ be what you live? Are your emotions ruling you? It’s not like most people want to forgive the pain that others caused; but know that it is the strong who forgive. Are you strong? Make the choice to be strong and let your mind be the residing factor of that. After all; it is where forgiveness begins.
Forgiveness is a lifestyle; just as much so is unforgiveness. Creating a lifestyle of forgiveness is doable. In fact for Believers it is a command to live a lifestyle of forgiveness. When Jesus was asked by Peter how many times one should forgive He simply replied, ‘Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ Matthew 18:22. Therefore; living a lifestyle of a Believer is there and available for you. Yes you! So how do you get there?
1. Recognize that you have the choice to forgive. The choice to forgive is yours. The choice to not forgive is also yours. When choosing a lifestyle that you want that brings the most peace it is a choice. You have the power to choose and making the choice is the first step to living your life empowered and moving in the right direction for your life.
2. Accept that people make mistakes. People let people down; it is part of life. When we focus on what others do we misunderstand that they are not perfect. Only Jesus was and is perfect and when that level of expectation is placed on others the mistakes they make reign control. When you understand and receive the revelation that people are not perfect and do not allow what they do to control you; you will be in better position to live in freedom and forgiveness of them for their mistakes.
3. Accept yourself. Accepting yourself is part of a lifestyle of forgiveness. Regardless of where you are or what you have done; self acceptance is a major component of living a lifestyle of forgiveness. When you accept your imperfections and mistakes; peace can enter.
The lifestyle of forgiveness is one that requires daily maintenance. Life happens. It’s what you do and how you handle it that matters. The choice ultimately is up to you. Forgiveness or unforgiveness is a lifestyle and the choice of what you choose is yours.
Religion makes people funny. Just think about that. How many conversations get heated over the topic of religion? How many lives are lost because of religion? How many countries in war are lost because of religion? We can see it no more clear today than in previous generations and yet here we are. Forgiveness one day shall reign where brothers and sisters may be able to disagree and still walk together; maybe? Perhaps in a utopia world where Sharia law exists right? And so it goes people want what they want yet still live lives of unforgiveness and wonder why nothing changes. Unforgiveness is an issue of the heart. Period. With a hardened heart no good fruit grows.
In North Carolina, USA students homework assignment answers share that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and that Muslims are more faithful than Christians. Do you believe that? You can read about that here: http://dailysignal.com/2014/11/13/mom-questions-school-portraying-muslims-faithful-christians/) And Islam is a religion of peace and Christianity is not; or should it be switched around? It depends on who you ask and then of course will you ever get the right answer because everyone has their own perception of what is right or wrong and therefore; one never really knows anything right?
Around the world there is devastation. The Jewish people suffer persecution. Those in Ukraine are suffering because of a religious war. People in India are suffering. Americans, Canadians, French; are suffering. Christians everywhere are suffering. Muslims are suffering; else why would they do what they do? But then again; why do wicked people anywhere do what they do? People’s hearts and souls are burning daily and yet; they acknowledge it not.
Until people recognize that religion doesn’t save nothing will change. No organization can save a person. It just can’t. The government of China won’t save people. The government of Russia won’t save people. The American government as an entity won’t save people. It is up to each individual person to look in the mirror and reflect inward. Until people see that it isn’t about any religion but rather a relationship with a Creator nothing will change. Until the heart of each person is softened nothing will change. Until forgiveness enters the lives of every person to see the true value and meaning and purpose of life; not one single thing will change. Until the minds of people are renewed; nothing will change. It can’t.
The good news is that you, dear reader, can be that change. It starts with you. It starts with me. What can you do today to begin the change in the world? Your silent acceptance is continuing the pattern. What voice do you have that you can use to change your life, your family, and your nation? What do you have in your heart that begin the change that is desperately needed? Is there forgiveness in there? If you have a heart I believe that there is; it’s just hidden. Uncover yourself, rid yourself of religion, get into a relationship with He who came to set the captives free and you will see the miracles, signs and wonders that will follow.
There is a misconception about forgiveness. There always is. Many in the Church say there isn’t a lot on the topic; yet there is. Many think that forgiveness just means restoration and reconciliation; yet this too is a fallacy. Forgiveness yes restores one with the Father; however, there is much otherwise that it does not mean or do. So the question is: does forgiveness automatically mean restoration? Nope.
I used to believe it did. I used to think that once I forgave someone or someone forgave me that the relationship would be restored and all would be good. Makes sense right? That is until I came across Psalm 85. Then I saw what I believed for too long to be wrong. Check this out:
1You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.[b]
3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
4 Restore us again, God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
If you look closely in verse 1 it is clear that the fortunes of Jacob were restored. Got it. But keep reading. Stop at verse 4. Notice it was an ask for restoration. It is not automatic. It simply is not. You need to look no further although you really do.
See; when you forgive someone with an expectation of anything you are setting yourself up for something that perhaps you will not receive. Restoration is not automatic. I once was there thinking that forgiveness meant restoration and it was rather painful to be on the end of not receiving it. It was like purchasing a plane ticket and then learning that the ability to sit in the seat was a separate price.
If your relationships are not where you are expecting them to be through the process of forgiveness; it could be that you have not yet reached the level of restoration with the situation, the people; and the pain involved. Forgiveness is a process and so is restoration. They may come together but not always. Don’t trap yourself into expectations of anything other than being committed to the entire process for further fulfillment in your life.