July.23.04: Light for the Day - "Forgiveness" -- Ephesian 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." --------------------- A grudge is a heavy weight to carry. It can consume your thoughts, infect your attitude, and even adversely affect your health. You can't get rid of it by simply trying to forget you're been hurt. You have to replace it with something that heals the pain. That "something" is forgiveness. Forgiving someone doesn't excuse what happened or automatically mend a relationship. It doesn't mean you're "weak" for giving in. It means you're strong enough to willingly choose to imitate God's character. It means you're courageous enough to practice real love in an often unloving world. This is something that requires God's help. If there's a grudge currently weighing on you, go to God. Ask Him to help you honestly forgive - and let the healing begin. -- G's D.A. -------------- Forgiveness means letting go of the past. -- G.Jampolsky When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future. -- Bernard Metzer Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of  selfishness. -- Corries Ten Boom Forgiveness is God's command. -- Martin Luther -------------- -- Matthew 26:28  This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. -- Luke 24:46,47 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. -- Acts 2:38  Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy  Spirit. -- Acts 13:38  "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." -- Matthew 6:12 -15 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. -- Matthew 18:21,22 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. {Or <seventy times seven>} -- Mark 11:25  And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."  -- Luke 6:37  Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven. -- Romans 12:21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -- Colossians 3:13  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -- Colossians 3:12,13 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -- 1 Peter 3:8  8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 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 John 1:9  9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives. -- 1John 2:12  I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name.