Forgiveness

Men, most often, have great difficulty with forgiveness.  By being able to forgive we show our greatness; we have to be able to let go.  After all, we really don’t have power to forgive anyhow.  By letting go, we can ask God to forgive.  We give it to him and don’t take it back.

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).  By letting go, giving the problem to the Father, we ask for His forgiveness.  By doing so, we come to better understanding of God’s mercy.

God’s forgiveness starts with us.  Often times we believe in God’s mercy and forgiveness but are not able to let go of our selfness.  We hold the hurt to us tight.  Without forgiveness we don’t allow ourselves to make mistakes, we become critical of others, we lack compassion and understanding, we become miserable and bitter.  Without forgiveness we destroy the relationships that God has given us; relationships with our brothers, sisters, wife, parents and children.  Peace cannot be in a family without forgiveness.

God’s mercy and forgiveness are infinite.  Don’t limit God working through you by not letting go.  Let go.  Healing our pain begins with forgiveness.

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do”  (Luke 23:34)

Grandfathers

A Father’s Love

“Love is patient, love is kind. 
It does not envy, it does not boast, 
it is not proud. It is not rude, 
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, 
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, 
always trusts, always hopes, 
always perseveres. Love never fails.” 
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Can you insert a special father’s name in each verse, in place of the words “love” and “it”? If you can do this and read the verses honestly, then you are fortunate.

A loving father points the whole family to the love of God all year long.

Actions to Live By

• Maybe you’ve dropped the ball – you may have lost your temper, maybe missed a family activity.  If family life is like a ball game, then we’ve all dropped the ball a few times.  What can you do now?  Play the next play.  Sometime this week – play a game with your kids – baseball, basketball, or a board game.  When it’s over, let your kids know that there are times that you felt like you’ve failed, dropped the ball, landed in the wrong square. Let them know you’re sorry!  Then tell them there is another day.  The game isn’t over, you’ll do your best.  You may drop the ball again but together as a family you’ll win the game.