In order to forgive, we need to identify with the person who sinned against us. Isn’t that what Jesus did when he came to earth? He became one with us—became our sin. That is how sins are forgiven. In order for us to forgive, we need to enter into the Gethsemane prayer with Jesus: “Abba,… Read More
Sow forgiveness…reap forgiveness
Jesus is God, and he became who we are—he became our sin. Because he was both God and man he could accomplish the task that God the Father gave him of being the perfect lamb that was sacrificed to take away the sins of the world. Jesus reached across time and space and identified with… Read More
Forgiving is not optional
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians… Read More
God gives the power to break free
And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that… Read More
Is your default setting a heart of stone?
For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. Matthew 13:15 (NIV) If you are a Bible reader, you will recognize both descriptions of humankind below:… Read More
Aggressively forgiven
. . . if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but… Read More
Our parents influence us
Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 (NLT) Your parents taught you about nurture, safety, provision, authority, parenting—not just by their words, but in how they acted and reacted to you, to each other, and to others. You… Read More
Kathleen S Evenhouse 