Matthew 6:5-15
Goodbye Revelation--HELLO FORGIVENESS!!! We're really switching gears this week. Instead of reading straight through a book of the Bible (like we just did with Revelation) we'll be reading from a variety of scripture passages that deal with the topic of forgiveness. (This, of course, lines up with Dr. Kroll's teaching this week on Back to the Bible. So I encourage you to listen to or watch those programs if you aren't already.)
We're starting with Matthew 6:5-15, which is where we find the Lord's Prayer. Now you've probably read this or recited it hundreds of times. But have you ever, or how many times have you, focused on the forgiveness aspect contained in this prayer? Regardless of your answer, let's do it today.
So how important is forgiveness? How proactive should we be about putting it into practice? What might forgiveness look like for you? Tami W.
I'm a little behind and just now catching up. I wondered, as I read Rev. 22:18 - Have any of these autrocities happened to anyone? I know the Bible has been "edited" for different reasons - for example; I like the New Standard Version because it's easier for me to read. But has there been any "documented" deviation of the Bible in which all the plagues were attached to that "writer." How bad it would be for that person(s), but they could never say they "weren't warned!"
For me forgiveness is "all round" healthy.
In the past I might of said the words "I forgive you" but in my heart I truly hadn't. Now, walking with Christ when I say those words I truly from the heart feel it. Forgiveness is 100% pure freedom from the chains bounding you with many unhealthy emotions and sometimes reactions towards a person(s) and yes, sometimes God himself. It's not always easy to forgive and those times I try to picture God standing beside the person who has hurt me. Give it a try, what do you have to lose?
Enjoy your day!
Mike,
I would take it that John was speaking in the figurative sense in Revelation 22:18. Certainly those who manipulate the Scriptures, however, to further their own erroneous doctrines will suffer the consequences before God's judgment seat (Rev. 20:11-12). On the other hand, there are legitimate translation differences because of variations in what are called manuscript "families." Sometimes a translator is faced with choosing between an older manuscript with fewer copies or a more recent manuscript with lots of copies. However, these instances are rare and don't affect doctrinal issues in the Bible. Such honest differences don't fall into John's warnings.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
I believe forgiveness is very important! Not only are we commanded to forgive others, but there is the benefit the comes from doing so: less stress, less arguing, improved relations, allowing God's grace to work... I like Linda's suggestion about picturing God with the offender. I sometimes forget to do that when I deal with my kids, and I let the issues cloud my perception of them instead. Thanks for the reminder!