Daily Thought for Wednesday, October 19th

October 19, 2011

Forgiveness

Being Forgiven vs. Being Forgiving

Today’s Thought:

“Forgiving our enemys haz the same refreshing effect upon our soul az it duz tew confess our sins.”  – Josh Billings

Today’s Quote:

“One pardons in the degree that one loves.”  – La Rochefoucauld

Today’s Question:

When it comes to forgiveness and forgiving have you ever considered that: “Children are innocent and love justice, while most adults are wicked and prefer mercy?” – G. K. Chesterton

Today’s Bible Verses:         Luke 6:35-37  &  Matthew 6:14-15

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“To understand is not only to pardon, but in the end to love."  –  Walter Lippmann

Forgiveness is another one of those tough topics that many don’t like to spend too much time on. 

Of course we have no problem embracing being forgiven, especially by God for our sins, but often we have more distresses over dealing with the truth that we too need to give as good as we get when it comes to forgiveness.

Peter asked Jesus: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – The Bible (Matthew 18:21-22)

Scripture also tells us: “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.” – The Bible (Luke 6:27-29)

It seems to me the whole concept of forgiveness is rooted in love.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” – The Bible  (John 3:16 - 17) Therein is the substantiated truth that the forgiveness for our sins comes as a result of love from God to us.

And are we not directed to love one another?  And would that not also include forgiveness?

Remember this: Jesus said, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”  - The Bible (Mark 11:25-26)

So when it comes to forgiveness is it better to give or to receive?  It seems that according to God’s point of view – these two are interconnected.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, you have taught us that he to whom much is given, much is required:  I know I need ample portions of forgiveness – may I be as free to give to others that which I so desperately need.

“It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”

– St. Francis of Assisi