Have You Forgiven Your Brethren? Series

God, in his infinite mercy, never disconnected from his creation. The disconnect came into play due to our disobedience; whether we prefer to blame Adam for the fall of mankind or ourselves since we manage to come up with a few poor choices here and there. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

The good news is; God wants us to forgive one another, just like He forgives us. According to Ephesians 4:31; we are to "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

God's mighty demonstration of forgiveness as well as his plan of salvation took place at the Cross as our Saviour looked upon those who despised him with passion and uttered those words, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."(Luke 23:34)

Therefore; each time we feel like carrying the torch of anger or bitterness; we must be reminded of God's awesome sacrifice that involved a painful separation from his only begotten Son. It was meant to build the bridge upon which we were to walk into our eternal relationship with our Maker.

If God says we're forgiven -including all past, present and future transgressions- who are we to doubt his Word? And since his forgiveness is not based on our works; who are we to think we deserve it more than someone else? Also; if we truly believe He forgives all who acknowledge his only begotten son as their Lord and Saviour, who are we to think our standards are higher than God's?

As we stand before him and prepare ourselves for prayer; we must take time to search the depths of our hearts and come clean. If there are any grey areas; meaning if we're having to use a certain excuse in order to hold on to the past; and it happens to have nothing to do with exalting God's power and presence in our lives, we're not being true to ourselves. Therefore; we're not being true to God.

May his awesome presence lead each and every one of us to seek the truth within and without; just so there won't be any strongholds for the evil one to use against us.

Blessings...