Isn't it funny how often (okay, so every time for me!) you hear a sermon and it hits so close to home, almost like it was crafted just for me? Tonight's sermon was about forgiveness and it was spoken in a very different manner than I've ever heard. I was thinking that because forgiveness needs to be done on a daily basis and used in every aspect of life, I really should blog my thoughts so I can look back and remind myself WHY I'm called to love and pray for my enemies.
Matthew: 5:43-47
"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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
I heard this again tonight and realized we all greet the people we love and we all love those who love us back. What would make me stand out further as a loving Christian? I've always kept my distance from those who, for whatever reason, do not like me or don't know me or our personalities just aren't agreeable. But really it isn't making me any different than they are. I'm CALLED to love even my enemies. I don't have to like them, but I should love them and even more pray for them. And at the very least, I'm called at act like I like them and even greet them. So if you know me, this is very hard for me to do. I have the hardest time walking up to people, even those that I know and adore, and just striking up a conversation or even giving a simple hello. I don't know why this is but I get truly anxious when I do this but am so proud when I muster up the courage do accomplish this simple task.
Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay evil with evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I'm not reminding myself of this verse because I have a vindictive nature but because I need to let things go with the attitude of truly "forgetting". I often times remind people of why they've hurt me and why I choose to keep myself away from them. I need to just turn the other cheek and continue to do good to them. As it was said tonight: if they want your shirt, give them your shirt and your shoes; if someone wants me to do something for them, go the extra mile and do something more. And why would I do this? The answer to this is to break the cycle of evil, to turn bitterness into blessing and to be a shining light unto others. I also love to know that people will be repaid for their sins and hurtful words and actions towards other by God himself. Again, not that I want sinners (including myself) to have to pay for their sins but the truth is, we need to. How else do we overcome our sins, improve our lives and become more Christ-like? We do this by recognizing our sins, making the necessary changes in our lives and suffering the consequences for our actions.
Psalm: 4:4
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Proverbs: 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
I totally love these verses! I'm certain I've never heard this first verse before or maybe I have and it never sunk in fully. But how true is it to walk away when you're angry and just be silent and listen? I've learned to do just this over the years but it's comforting to know that this is what is expected of us when we've reached the point of becoming angry. And, admittedly so, I do forget this at times but I have to remember to stop in the midst of anger and listen.
I walked away tonight with a completely different perspective on my attitude towards my enemies and even those I love who have offended me at one time or another. I need to love them or even pretend to like them. I need to forgive them and continue to do good to/for them. I need to raise my tolerance level and accept people for who they are no matter how crazy, how disrespectful, how rude and ignorant, or how down-right annoying people can be. In doing so, I will be more accepting and it would make it easier to love my enemies.
I learned tonight that I need to ALWAYS be the bigger person and this includes continuing on in life with a smile on my face when I've been hurt or belittled, to keep walking forward and not look back when wrong has been done to me and my family. I've learned (and will continue to learn) how to turn the other cheek and not let someones hurtful words and actions consume me. I know who I am and I know my intentions as does God. I need to stand out above the others and be someone different.
With all this said, we recited the Lord's Prayer at the end, which is so lovely to hear and speak:
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen."
1 comment:
I actually started a blog entry on forgiveness but it's a work in progress and therefore hasn't been posted yet. Your post was a much-needed lesson for me in the many aspects of forgiveness that I struggle with as well. Thank you. By the way, I know what you mean about the sermons.
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