~FORGIVING OTHERS~

I recently read a story of a minister, who In his Sunday sermon,

used “Forgive Your Enemies” as his subject. After the sermon, he asked

how many were willing to forgive their enemies. About half of the

congregation held up their hands, signifying they were willing to forgive.

Not satisfied, he continued speaking to the congregation for another twenty minutes

and repeated his question. This received a response of eighty percent. Still unsatisfied,

he lectured for fifteen more minutes and repeated his question once again. All the

congregation responded except one elderly

gentleman in the rear.

“Mr. Jones, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?” The elderly man said,

“I don’t have any enemies.” The Pastor said, “Mr. Jones, that is very unusual.

How old are you?” The man replied, “One Hundred and one.” The minister then said,

“Mr. Jones, please come down to the front and tell the congregation how a man can live

to be one hundred and one years old, and not have an enemy in the world.

The old man teetered down the aisle, slowly turned to face the congregation,

smiled and said, “I outlived every one of them!" :o)

Forgiveness is something which is not optional. In order to be forgiven

of our sins, we must forgive others, as Christ has forgiven us. One

who harbors bitterness and an unforgiving spirit is sinning against God.

We can't depend on outliving our enemies, as the man in the little story,

but must love our enemies, and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

God's great mercy and amazing grace has forgiven us our trespasses,

and we are to do the same. Showing forth the attributes of Christ is part of the birthmarks

of a true believer. Being Christ like in all our ways includes being willing to forgive others

and displaying the love of Christ. Those who do not forgive others waste the years the

Lord has given them. God is calling souls today from a life of wasted years.

For a child of God who is following Him and walks in His ways, the best is

yet to come. We are truly blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loves

us so much. He sent His very best that we might be forgiven and blessed.

Will we give Him our very best?

~TENDER MERCIES~

Do you feel darkness or clouds of gloom around you

Is your soul weary or dismayed?

Turn your eyes toward Jesus ....He is always faithful and true,

He's your burden bearer, who'll give you a better day.

The tender mercies of the Lord are new every day

His kindness is extended to our lives,

He has washed away our sins by his precious blood,

He died to take away our sin and strife.

His love is the greatest this world could ever know

There is no other with greater mercy than He,

Great joy and peace He places within our soul,

His love will fill your heart and make you free.