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As a believer and one who professes openly of such belief I for one must consider this each and every day. As a writer I write to many a topic concerning that, which hurts, harms or impacts people directly or indirectly in thought word and deed. Believers understand that every one of us sin in one way or another. Some regret their sin and try not to continue their sinful ways, while others do not recognize their sin or even what sin is and some could care less. In any case we all will and do continue to sin. However, whatever the case or circumstances we as believers must find it in our souls to reconcile the fact that we must forgive those who sin against us and release them to the Lord for us to be able to find peace. It is then up to the Lord to do what He wishes to do with each soul. The sad part is that this is a continual process as we go through life. We hurt others and they hurt us.
The consequencs of our sin is punishment. If we add Gods chastisement to those he loves, as correction from our sinful ways and to get back ont he right path and the fact that for believers trials will always be with us, we have to understand that as true believers this is NOT AN EASY LIFE. If we are having an easy life then we should really and I do sincerely mean really examine just what that means to each of us? If all is peachy cream then just what does this say? In my opinion is speaks very clearly.
So, in my opinion the same holds true for non believers. They may wish to exclude God from the equasion but untill they truly forgive they will not find peace in their inner being. They who do not forgive practice the Golden Rule which many so eagerly profess will never find the harmony and serenity they seek. Subsequently, what goes around comes around without using the bible for anything. In otehr words, "what you reap you sow".
So this is not something believers or those who seek to live in peace can debate. We are if we say we are true believers mercy and compassion toward all our fellow human beings and even our worse enemies is required. This is the foundation of love of neighbor that we must put into practice by deed not just lip service. As I stated- you have no options as a believer.
However, while I have identified that which I have taken from the Word in italics I have left the bible verse identification out for those who wish to find just where it is stated in the Word of God and must look.
Now the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So God is in charge. A very distinct warning to those who persist.
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17If he refuses to listen to them tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Now in some cases this is not possible unless we write, email or in some manner express our hurt and how we have been offended or sinned against to the person or persons or body that did the deed. To this extent we must use whatever means possible. We can also in meditation name and release that person and forgive them to God trusting God will hear us and forgive them. Yes, forgive them "for they know not what they do".
So if God has mercy upon us as sinners and forgives us all who ask Him to forgive us "33 shouldnt you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." So unless you give mercy you shall NOT RECIEVE MERCY!
So, as I stated, here is the answer of all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot hold any anger or hate or vengeance against our brothers and sisters but we must release it to God. Therefore even though others may pass laws, do deeds, exploit or abuse us or even kill us in Gods name we must as true believers show mercy. It does not mean we have to accept the act they commit or the deeds they do nor sup with them. No, we must call them to task as defined above. No, we are not to sit idly by and ignore nor do nothing, especially when we can put a stop to the sin placed upon others. However, it also means that we must also forgive. Those that hate because of race, color, religion, or social class or anything for that matter have some hard thinking to do.
One could go on and on but we must "forgive those who trespass against us." A simple command and part of the prayer offered to us by Christ Himself and we are asked to pray.
So for all of us even though we do not like that which our leaders do, our employers, those who exploit us, take advantage of us, use us and abuse us and yes, even kill us in Gods name, we must forgive them.
One thinks back to the children murdered in Pennsylvania, in that small schoolhouse for no sane reason and those parents who forgave their murderer and actually prayed for him. Were they not doing that which they professed and believe? They allowed God to handle the judgment and the punishment. How strong a testimony forms these people? How strong a lesson on love of thy fellow man that they could forgive even the most horrible of crime against pure innocence?
So publicly I ask Gods mercy for all of our leaders and those whom I have had in my own life and who have hurt me and my family in thought, word and deed, by their actions, or non-actions, direct or indirectly, known or unknown. I release all my superiors both living and dead, my coworkers, my religious leaders and teachers and coaches, my friends, my enemies known and unknown to me and all who I have failed to mention that have hurt me by their actions, words, deeds and what they done or failed to do.
I ask God to release them from my heart and heal me and my loved ones and I had them all over to the Lord and receive his blessings this day. In the name of Jesus I pray this. I ask for their forgiveness of my sins against them for I am sure at times it takes two.
Yes, God may this prayer be made worthy and acceptable to You and although from a sinner may you hear the prayers of all who come to you with prayers of Mercy for those who offended them or hurt them. Amen.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright 2007 Robert T Melaccio Sr.
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» left by Judi Lake(2,386) Judi Lake (1 year 52 days ago.)
Robert, this line, "...we must forgive those who sin against us and release them to the Lord for us to be able to find peace. It is then up to the Lord to do what He wishes to do with each soul...." was one I struggled with much when I was younger -- it was "easier" staying in the anger then releasing it to the Lord and forgive. Through maturity, I have learned that forgiveness is more about OUR healing and has very little to do with the other. I pray my daughter learns that much quicker than her mom (me). The incidence you refer to in PA was a true testimony of Faith and Pure Love and yet, if I am to be honest, could I be as courageous as them? I hope so, but do not know. I join you in prayer and thanks for this powerful article! Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,204) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 52 days ago.)
Thank you good soul for your kind comments. It doesn't amaze me that those who I feel are true practicing believers find movement in their soul for this type of testimony. Yet, it is those who really need to consider this, who are in distress, hurt and anger and hate that I write to and in reality, as I say, there are moments we all are, even with those we love most dearly. We do it intentionally or unintentionally, by word or deed, by body language, neglect or whatever else the moment brings. Yet, when we recognize it we are sorry and repent and try to make amends. We all, myslef included, must walk in the other persons shoes and feel their pain. Then I suspect we will be less harsh and more compassionite. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. I needed it at for the trials of life can be over powering at times and especially when under attack. With all best wishes for you and yours. peace RTM Respond to this comment
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