Grudges

Grudges

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”  John 15:1 - 2 (NIV)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come …  So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”     Luke 17:1, 3 - 5 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43 - 44 (NIV)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.   Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”   Matthew 6:14 - 15 (NIV)

What Forgiveness is not…

Forgiveness is not forgetting.

Forgiveness is not fair. 

He [God] does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:10 - 12 (NIV)

What Forgiveness is…

Forgiveness is giving others what God gave you.

If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Faith enables me to see an opportunity for freedom where others only see an offense!