Lee McDowell Christian
Ministries LMCM
Nacogdoches,
Texas Gal. 2:20 KJV
Thoughts
on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 50
Michael’s book is
available through:
Abiding Life
Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
(303) 972-0859 almi@abidinglife.com
As a pastor the issue
of “forgiveness and confession” is one I deal with over and over again with
numerous members. And it is one my wife
and I have had to face many times in our role in the church…amazing how many
times pastors and staff are hurt by church members. It has been over 25 years since we made the
decision: “We cannot not forgive, no matter what someone does to us.”
A break in a
relationship generally has the following sequence. First, there is an offense
within the relationship; next, a break in the relationship; hopefully,
repentance by the offender; forgiveness by the offended party; and, in the end,
restoration.
In the passage above Jesus is not sanctioning what is currently passed off
as wisdom, and that is going to those who have offended and telling them that
they are forgiven, when they have never asked for forgiveness. Jesus is clearly speaking of one who
“returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent’”; it is that one who receives
forgiveness. It cheapens forgiveness to give it when people are not asking for
it; it actually cheapens relationships. Now, what are we to do when someone has offended us and
yet refuses to show that he is sorry or in need of forgiveness? First, we make
sure that God has worked a basic principle in us, that of accepting the truth
that we are to be offended until we cannot be offended. If others can offend
you, then self is still actively seeking its own good and others can control
us. Do any of us have a legitimate right to be offended? Next, we do not have
the Scriptural right to be offering forgiveness where there is no repentance,
so what is there to do? Do we walk in unforgiveness? No, for that is when we bless those who
curse us. By blessing those who curse us, we will be able to keep the
offenders from living rent-free in our head. Of course, when someone does repent, we must forgive.
Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point Green
– IT, Incredible Truth
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches Pink
– PV, Priceless Victory
Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
P. O. Box 633244 Nacogdoches, Tx 75963 936-559-5696
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