Forgiveness Brings Harmony and Ultimately Freedom

Forgive because God forgave you. This has been a recurring theme in my life forever, but just recently I have taken notice that the Holy Spirit has been talking to me about it. Pointing it out in every circumstance, season of life, and relationships. 

Have you ever thought that forgiving someone can bring about some freedom from guilt and shame. You end up bringing harmony to your life. It is so great.

It was even the topic of the sermon on Sunday on 9/21/14. 

Forgiving is letting go of the hurt and relying on God instead. God told me in one instance that I shouldn't keep records of wrongs because that is not what God did. He knew every bad thing I would ever do and he did not hold that against me. Also I was told that if I didn't forgive others, I was basically saying that God's word is a lie, and I don't want to do that. His word is truth. 

I have been re-evaluating my friendships and relationships because I have wanted to have harmony with them. Because some relationships I have been holding on to things, that were wrong for me to do. I have been learning that when a person has discord among friendships that causes a disconnect between that person and God. Recognizing and acknowledging that there is a disconnect between yourself and God, pushes you one step in the right direction to mending that broken connection.

So I had some forgiving to do, and not just that but to keep forgiving, because I know the truth, God already forgave me! Do you know how hard it is to forgive someone sometimes? When they truly wrong you? God forgave the crowd of mockers who falsely accused his son and then later crucified him. How humbling is it to think about that moment?

So simply put, God forgave, and so should we.

God's Timing is ALWAYS Perfect

The thought that crossed my mind the other day was that God waits for us to turn back to him. How can we not be patient in situations? He has waited so long, thousands of years in fact. He knew how long it would take us to feel his love and love him back. 

Another wise friend in my life, I will call her Pam (she reminds me of Pam from the Office), said, "stop comparing yourself to others, you are where God wants you to be." Such encouraging words, even though I know I have heard these words before. This conversation was in light of my 10 year class reunion, coming up in 2 weeks. I just don't feel like I have accomplished anything, not married or dating anyone, no kids, no real career, and the list could go on. What I have learned from talking to Pam is that I found Jesus and that is the best accomplishment ever. So who cares if I don't have that other stuff. It will come. I have hope that God will one day give me the desires of my heart.

So I have to rest in His plan in my life. Because my plan fails all the time. He knows what is best for me. I just have to trust in that.


God is good and he has given me many blessings. In the waiting I will learn all I can. I will sit at the feet of Jesus, and talk to His Spirit and attempt to acknowledge him in all ways. 

He has blessed me with many friends, a wonderful church and church family, family, and steady job, and many other things. He also sent his son to die on the cross for me. He gave me his love.

Just remember in the waiting, there is learning and God's timing is always perfect.

Feed My Sheep

God gives us plenty of opportunities to share the love of Christ and I was reminded of this lately. Sometimes we fail at doing this, by showing negative attitudes toward others. Like rebelling, like you want it to be your idea first, and not God's. This behavior showed up yesterday when my mom was making lunch and had offered one of my bagels to someone. I was mad. But then I heard this..."feed my sheep." I then just gave it to her...its like I recognized the error of my ways. Even though my mom had said similar things pointing to that exact fact...I did't want to listen until God said something to me. 

Earlier that morning, I sat down to write my friend a card. She had recently moved away and I wanted to send something to encourage her. I was also prompted by the Holy Spirit to send her a gift card for food. She has yet to find a job, though I am not losing hope that God will place her right where He needs her to be. (If my friend reads this before the mail gets there I have ruined the surprise.)

Then I reviewed some scripture on this topic. All recognition goes to God and the Holy Spirit for leading me to it. 

Turn to John 21:15-17 (ESV) or read below.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."

When reading this, I put myself in Simon Peter's place and imagined Jesus was asking me those questions, about if I loved him and I knew my answer would be yes. I love the fact that I keep learning things about myself and about my relationship with Jesus. But he doesn't just ask us to say yes, he wants us to go a step further and show it. Show others what loving Jesus means to you, whether that be serving others, sending encouragement, visiting friends, and any act of kindness you can think of....

Just wanted to share some of what God has been teaching me lately. Hope you all have a blessed day.