I have been in the same church for over 30 years. I have many friends in the church: with some I am very close while others are a little distant. I have worked together with many of them on projects, ministry outreaches, and missions trips, but not without incidents or problems. Some problems were worked out quickly because all in involved applied biblical principles. However many situations arose where problems occurred that did not get resolved as expected. Feelings were hurt, people refused to communicate with each other, resentments grew, which resulted in words and actions of anger.
Why? I thought that the church was supposed to be a wonderful place where believers could experience a little bit of Heaven on Earth. The church is a wonderful place, but it is made up of believers that still have their sin natures and many do not always act and respond to problems as stated in the scriptures.
The Lord admonishes us about forgiving our brothers. In fact, he tells us that if a brother sins seven times in a day, repents and asks for forgiveness, we are to forgive.
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:3)
With this passage many focus on and teach that we must continually forgive those who repent and seek forgiveness for sin, but this passage teaches more than that. It reveals that brothers and sisters in Christ, who truly repent of sinful actions, can quickly fall back into that very sin. We must understand that some believers are in a great battle with anger. While others battle to bridle their tongue and engage in this battle continually. People can become bound in more sins than just alcohol, drugs and pornography. These people, that we love and who continually fall into sin and seek forgiveness, are just as bound. As we deal with each other, we must remember this and exercise longsuffering, mercy and compassion.
When we understand the battle with sin that others are experiencing, it makes it much easier to forgive.
If you would like to read more of these thoughts in a hard copy format, my new book is now available at the link below.
https://www.createspace.com/4441566
To view other posts or to receive this blog by email, sign up at drafusco.wordpress.com
No comments:
Post a Comment