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Ever thought about it? The number of people you hurt, anger or offend everyday, every week, every month and every year? You are not perfect! What about your offences against God? The reason? We were shaped in sin (Ps.51:5), live in a sinful world and targeted by an enemy who rejoices when we Sin. (1 Pet.5:8). Accepting our imperfections should humble us to excuse the mistakes of others.
The effects of unforgiveness are deadly – It separates us from God (Matt.6:12, 14-15), our brothers, sisters and friends (Matt.18:15). According to Leo Madow in his book ‘Anger’, some of the physical problems associated with anger and unforgiveness are asthma, arthritis, urinary disorder and common cold! The fights in the family, the silent ‘war’ and apathy in Churches and wars all over the world can be attributed to this.
In, Matt 18:15-20, we are admonished to take steps to reconcile with a brother who offends us. We must speak privately to him. If that fails, we are to try again in the Company of a witness before finally asking the Church to come in. Clearly, it is God’s nature and desire to us love each other in spite of our weaknesses. He stresses this in Rom.13:8 where we OWE each other LOVE! In Ex.12:1-14 we read how the blood of lambs and goats saved the Israelites from death. It was a shadow of Christ’s death on the cross to save humankind! This death was unconditional and undiscriminatory. We must emulate some if we are His followers.
Let go that vindictive character, let Christ purge you of all the toxins of hate, anger and unforgiveness and like Joseph and Stephen, forgive your brothers and those you may consider as enemies hurting and plotting your death!!! Let love lead and let Christ reign!
God help us .Amen .
FORGIVENESS
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