Hey guys,
I know nobody's checked the blog in a while, but I wanted to post a thought I had during church the other day to garner some comments if you do happen to log on.
We were talking about forgiveness in church, and how it is freeing to forgive people for wrongs they've committed against you. I notice that of all people, I have the hardest time forgiving myself. In fact, I find myself repeating in my mind regrettable decisions I've made, encounters I've had, and other experiences that have done damage to me. I'm coming to realize that although it sounds like humility in my head, it is really a form of ingratitude for and inacceptance of the Lord Jesus' sacrifice for me, and a lie I've been told.
I'm having a hard time reconciling my automatic thoughts with my belief that I am also forgiven.
I wonder if you struggle with this too?
Powell
In short, yes!. I've struggled with this for a long time. When we sin we are condemned by God, we personally feel guilty, and then we are constantly accused by Satan (Revelation 12:10 Satan accuses us before our God day and night). One thing that has really helped me is to not stand with my feelings but to declare the divine facts. As Christians we don't walk according to appearance or our feelings (they fluctuate and are untrustworthy), but according to faith. Our faith is based on the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Well, my friend, what does the Word say regarding sin. In 1 John 1:7 and 9, it says that if we confess our sins he is faith and righteous to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and forgive us of every sin. Do you believe this? You'll like this one as a lawyer. In 1 John 2:1 it says that if we do sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. In a footnote I have it defines advocate: The Greek word refers to one who is called to another’s side to aid him; hence, a helper. It refers also to one who offers legal aid or one who intercedes on behalf of someone else; hence, an advocate, counsel, or intercessor. The word carries the sense of consoling and consolation; hence, a consoler, a comforter. In Hebrews 8:12, which quotes Jeremiah, it even says that God will no longer remember our iniquities. Its like God has divine amnesia! The blood is not primarily for our satisfaction, but for God's. When we sin, confess our sins by acknowledging our sins, telling the Lord we're sorry and then standing on His Word. If you feel guilty or Satan accuses you, remember that God has already forgiven and forgotten and declare the define facts to yourself and to Satan. In Revelation 12:10-11 it says that they overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. I present my case, what's your verdict? Do you believe your feelings or God's Word. Wow, it's must be exhilarating being a lawyer!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Awesome Bobby! That adds some profound meaning to my career choice:) I love the practice of declaring the truth aloud. Words do have power, and I do believe that I'm forgiven. So I'll just say it enough to really deep down reconcile my feelings with those beliefs; that sounds good. One of my favorite law-isms so far is "He who represents himself has a fool for a client." I think I'll let the Lord step in for me. He is mighty to save!
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