Friday, January 25, 2019

The Power of Forgiveness

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

2 Corinthians 2:8–11

John Selwyn was born in New Zealand in 1844. After going to England for his education, he set out for the Melanesian Islands as a missionary. The inhabitants of Norfolk Island were not open to the gospel and often were harsh in their treatment of foreigners. One day as Selwyn was talking to a teenage boy, the boy became angry and struck him in the face. Selwyn said nothing in response, and walked away. After a few years, Selwyn’s health failed, forcing him to return to England. Many years passed, and another missionary was summoned to talk to a dying man who wished to be saved before he met God. When the missionary asked his name, he replied, “Call me John Selwyn, because he taught me what Christ was like when I struck him.”

The choice to forgive is more than just a matter of obedience to God and following the example of Jesus. It is vital both to our own physical and spiritual health, and it is vital to our relationships with others. The things that we hold close and refuse to let go keep us trapped far more than they trap the person who did them. Forgiveness does not mean the offense did not happen or that we deserved what happened or that there are no consequences to the offender. Forgiveness means that we have released it into God’s hands, and we trust Him to deal with the offender as He sees best.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Those who refuse to forgive will never escape the bondage of the past.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Eternity Now   CURRENT TV SERIES Songs of Courage

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.     --Matthew 6:6 If obligations and a busy schedule have exhausted the energy in your spiritual tank, maybe you need to refuel! Whether you spend your day rushing to meetings, escorting children to school functions and sports events, or ministering to others, life can be exhausting! So if you feel drained of energy and strength, I want to share how you can be empowered. The Spirit of God can energize you through your prayer life. And when you worship God in the Spirit, you’ll be invigorated. Personally, when I’m physically tired and begin to worship God, my spirit becomes energized, revived, and revitalized. The same thing can happen to you! I believe one of the secrets to empowering prayer is committing to private prayer time. Jesus says in Matthew 6:6: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.”        Private prayer is that time alone with God when you and I draw near to Him through the Spirit to know Him, to talk with Him. And every Christian who wants to be refueled with the power of prayer must find a place to pray privately. Do you have a secret place? Do you have a quiet time dedicated to the Lord? Matthew 6:6 continues, “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” When we join God in the secret place, His Spirit fills the space and we can truly converse and commune with God. That’s prayer that empowers you for living!                                                                                                                                                Get alone with God today to refuel your spirit!