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2020 |
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Friday, June 26, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scriptures: Proverbs 17:9 (NLT) – “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) – “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” Matthew 6:14 (NIV) – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV) – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Message: Over my life I've had difficulty in forgiving others. It wasn't until I learned that the only way to release yourself from the burden that accompanies carrying a grudge is by loosening its grip and letting it go; this also releases your anger. You can only do this through forgiving. This is a principle that I don't think we really understand until we actually put it into practice and we have felt the burden lifting from our shoulders. I've seen grudges tear families and friendships apart and, more often than not, for reasons that are not really important; at least not when compared to the larger more important things that we lose when we cannot forgive. Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help strengthen me and teach me how to throw my grudges off of my heart and forgive those whom I hold ill-will towards. Teach me how to avoid grudges coming between me and my family, my friends and my brothers and sisters in Christ by willingly and intentionally offering forgiveness. Strengthen me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may practice Your teachings by leading through example. Amen. Steve Marsee |
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