I don’t very often quote the post of another person on “coffee with the Lord” …. But having said that, I’m going to do it today! A former student, missionary, pastor and dear friend – Chad Germany – posted something today that bears repeating… IT WAS PROFOUND!!! And it reinforced an important emphasis in the passage I read this morning in “Necessary Food” the Bible reading plan I developed (in which you read a passage from each of the major divisions of Scripture daily)Here’s what Chad said in his post…
“Bitterness corrupts, no matter how justified the cause!“
“Realizing that God has forgiven you far more than you will ever forgive anyone else is the first step to escaping bitterness…. That’s called ‘grace!’
“Receive grace! Give grace! Grow in grace… Forgive to be free!”
Wow! How good – how profound – how true that is Chad!
Here is the support for those words I read this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect… If you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive others, neither will you Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 5:43-48; 6:14-15)
Good stuff Chad!!! Now Lord, may I practice it and live by it!!! Forgiveness flushes bitterness out of our lives!!!
Coffee With The Lord 