Wednesday, March 31, 2010

WordFILLED Wednesday: Forgiveness...

After my bookworm revelations of yesterday...I now will admit that I read many, many Christian non-fiction books at a time. If you're like me you are given a book here, buy a book there, borrow a book here...and they all seem to be half way read.

I think I read them all at the same time for numerous reason. One, they are often rather deep and I cannot digest any more than a few chunks at a time. Two, I'm trying to conquer them with some amount of speed so that I remember who they belong to, etc. etc. Anyhew...

You know how God often repeats himself in scripture? Yeah, well...He does that in my life too. I'm not a really good listener...ahem. (Probably a lesson there in my level of patience in dealing with my rather similar 2 year old.) So, in my Bible Studies and in my many works of half read non-fiction...one theme has come glaring through this week...FORGIVENESS.

I know, ewwwww!

So, seeing as I do realize the warning at the end of the passage in Matthew...I decided I better really examine this out in my life. I don't want ANYTHING between me and God! ANYTHING!! And...it was there...that situation of several years past (yes, years) that had raised it's ugly head. Yes, I'd forgiven initially...but when slander, offenses and what-have-you continued...instead of forgiving I had gulped down that root of bitterness and nurtured it into a great, furry beastie! I had even found myself some "friends" who themselves had similar beasties to help nurture my beastie. Not the kind of friends you want folks...you want friends who tell you what GOD'S WORD SAYS!!! If someone pats your furry sin on the head and says, "Oh, I understand...he is just like mine." A doo run, run, run!!!

So, I re-forgave...and it's so freeing. BUT here is the thing I want to share...sort of my most recent revelation on forgiveness... If we picture God's forgiveness to us when we forgive others (which we should)...we must forgive like God...AND THAT MEANS...
-covering all our sins
-blessing us as if we'd done nothing wrong

I know....Ouch, ouch, ouch!!!

So, do you care more deeply for someone after you've forgiven them? You should. You should be praying that God will bless them! Yup, you read that right...BLESS THEM!!

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

To Join WFW today head over to Amydeanne's...HERE! It occurs to me that I could have posted a very Easter post today...but oh well...this was on my heart instead. Probably a reason for that too!

8 comments:

ozjane said...

It is so so easy to nurse and rehearse.
I am struggling with having to shake hands with someone I have forgiven but do not want to touch......
This person accused me behind my back of me inappropriately touching them....I am struggling. I forgive but I do not want to tough the snake again.
Interesting process.....as you said ouch.......

livinginbetween said...

Hi, I posted on your other blog and then found you here. :) Thanks for stopping by.

You know the verse you chose is the message of the cross -- very appropriate for Easter! :)

Anonymous said...

Amen Bobbi.

Nic said...

Such wise words and some that, quite honestly, are hard for me to hear b/c I still haven't been able to forgive someone for the horrific things they did to me and my daughter and while I try to forgive, my spirit just isn't in it. But you are so right, I don't want anything between myself and God and that is the big glaring "(BUZZER NOISE)" standing in the way. What a painful, but necessary reminder. Thank you!

Happy Resurrection Week!

lori said...

Girl...this gets me EVERY time...you know the "as we forgive..." whew...
What a blessing and a reminder this post is...

Hey, looking forward to "seeing you" serving at the Cafe tomorrow!!

Peace Bobbi!
Happy HOLY week!

lori

Susannah said...

Beautiful butterflies... and you know I like butterflies... LOL!

God is THE master forgiver... and we are so imperfect. Thanks for this great reminder. God is SO good! :~D

Happy WFW, e-Mom

Karen said...

Oh, I think this was all wonderful and very relevant for this week....

Cathy said...

That is so pretty, thank you. Blessings ~