Expecting God's Blessings in 2019 Part Two Forgiveness is Part of it.

Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior does not mean that we become a slave to him.  He does not force us to do anything. He has set forth guidelines in the bible for us to obey because knowing what is best for us, if we choose not to obey can lead to consequences that could even go so far as for being deadly. And it is because he loves us that he wants us to be obedient to his commandments to avoid those consequences of where sin can lead us.

In one of his teachings to his disciples, Jesus said to them, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you." John 15:12-14.

Loving God, and then loving our friends and neighbors is essential in being obedient to God. He was asking that of his disciples because there would be a time coming soon that he would be doing that for them. And for all humanity. He could not ask something of them that he himself refused to do. and his life and death became a testament to that very thing.

Sometimes that is not easy. Problems in families as well as with neighbors can erupt causing pain and hurt. Sometimes those wounds may take years to heal, if at all. However still, Jesus calls us to forgive others. 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

But really, why should I really have to do that? After all, it was my sister that took things that really belonged to me after dad passed. Or, it was my neighbor's cat that dug up my flower bed that I had spent a lot of time and money creating.  Really? Why should I forgive them?  

Well, going back to being obedient is what it is called. And so.....

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people of their sins, your Father will not forgive you of your sins. Mathew 6:14-15

Ummm. Then do I really want to stay angry and not forgive my neighbor for what her cat did, or what my sister took that belonged to me after my dad died? ( which are earthly concerns) Or am I more concerned with the eternal ramifications of whether or not my heavenly Father will forgive me?



The choice is up to us Friends. God is not going to stand over us with a belt if we make the wrong one. However, as a child that disobeys his parents has to face consequences, and because God knows it is better for us to forgive than be angry, bitter and out for justice as we see happens all the time on the media, we will face his ultimate consequence of not receiving the most important blessing from him, which is his forgiveness.

Up tomorrow on Expecting God's Blessings....Choose This Day!

January 4, 2019 Promise: He said, Yea, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. Luke 11:28.

Thanks for coming by today Friends. God bless you for he is the Rock of our Salvation!