Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Warrior;
Here it is, proof that what is going on in our streets is NOT OF GOD, from God, or glorifying to God. At some point, God’s opinion needs to override the worlds opinion. We need to decide which kingdom we belong to- the Kingdom of Light or the Kingdom of Darkness? We must choose, because if we attempt to have one foot in each Kingdom, we have NO FOOT IN GOD’S KINGDOM! Like a good parent repeats important, foundational actions and beliefs to the point of redundant recitations, there are multiple verses commanding us to “forgive one another” (Matthew 6:14, Colossians 3:13, Luke 17:3-4) A Christian who is not willing to forgive others will find his fellowship with God hindered (Matthew 6:15) and can reap bitterness and the loss of reward (Hebrews 12:14–15; 2 John 1:8). More importantly, we reject THE WAY that the LORD HIMSELF showed us was the GODLY way! When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. (Luke 23:33-34)
Leader, it is about choices, God gives us free will! Forgiveness is a decision of the will. Since God commands us to forgive, we must make a conscious choice to obey God and forgive. The offender may not desire forgiveness and may not ever change, but that doesn’t negate God’s desire that we possess a forgiving spirit. “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. (Matthew 5:43-45a) Ideally, the offender will seek reconciliation, but, if not, the one wronged, is still called to make a decision to forgive. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:1,12-13)
Conduit, did you pick that up? God said IF you have been raised with CHRIST, THEN you MUST forgive! It is not a suggestion, IT IS DEMANDED, we call that a COMMANDMENT! “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” (Mark 11:26) There is no place in the heart of a TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST for keeping a RECORD OF WRONG, to keep your, POUND OF FLESH! Before our verse of the day, v32, the 4th chapter of Ephesians lays the foundation of what it looks like, sounds like and feels like to forgive; Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (ibid v26-27) Black Lives Matter is the devil taking the opportunity of LACK OF FORGIVENESS, Pound-of flesh taking, RECORD KEEPING- an opportunity for the DEVIL to steal and kill and destroy. GOD IS THE JUST, He is the judge, God says, “I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT, if you just forgive!” Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:9) Quit playing God, by exacting your pound of flesh and DEMANDING JUSTICE, or NO PEACE! KNOW JESUS, know peace. NO JESUS, NO PEACE! Quit playing God, let God be God- He is the judge. We need to stop playing God and choose to be like His Son, and FORGIVE! When Jesus got squeezed by life, what came out of HIM-FORGIVENESS! Be a CHRIST-LIKE SPONGE and put forgiveness in your heart! When we CHOOSE to do that we will respond differently to the injustices of this world! If you will forgive in your heart, then when the unfairness, unjustness of life comes at you- what comes out of you will be FORGIVENESS, MERCY and GRACE! Just like Jesus!
Way of The Warrior- A Daily Devotional 