A Merciful Servant
Okay Journey Girls, remember when we packed for our 40 day journey? Do you remember what we packed to wear? Colossians 3:12-13, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Webster's definition of forgive is
to give up resentment of or claim to revenge for or to relieve a debtor of the duty to repay. The Biblical definition comes from the Greek word for forgive, "aphiemi." It means "to let go from one's power, possesion, to let go free, let escape."
I love the reunion of Jacob and Esau that we find in Genesis 33. Jacob had just wrestled through with God and was about to meet his brother for the first time face to face since he had stolen his inheritance and blessing. Esau had been so devastated and so angry at the fact that he was wronged. He had held a grudge against his brother and planned to kill him. (Genesis 28:41). However, we see in Genesis 33:4 that when Esau saw him, he "ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him." Esau no longer held a grudge against Jacob. He had forgiven him and shown him mercy.
Grace is getting what we don't deserve and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Jacob had received both.
Another wonderful example in scripture is that of the unmerciful servant. (Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus tells a story of two servants who both owed debts. The one servant begged his master to be patient with him and his master cancelled his debt. (vs.26). He then went out and demanded payment from his fellow servant for a debt he owed him. No mercy! He even had him thrown into prison until he could pay back his debt. Because of his actions, his master also threw him in prison and had him tortured. (vs.34). We are given a very direct message from our Father in verse 35. Beloved, we must forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts!
How many times do we think we have the "right" to be angry? We feel as though we have the "right" to hold a grudge because of the way we have been wronged.
Sweet ones, please allow me to lovingly share from God's Word. Ephesians 4:30-32 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind an compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Let me be the first one to admit that I have failed miserably in this area. I have been there. Do not give the enemy get a foothold by holding on to hurt.
Many times, when we have been falsely wronged, we feel as though we have a right to hold on to that hurt. We say we have forgiven, but in reality, we hold on to the hurt and begin to become bitter. Trust me when I tell you that this is no way to live!
Living with unresolved hurt and an unforgiving heart is torture. Just as the unmerciful servant was tortured, we are tortured. We allow the enemy to take advantage of the situation and stir up bitterness and resentment. We become miserably paralized.
Maybe you were unjustly wronged and you feel as though you shouldn't be the one to ask forgiveness. Sisters, let it go! Christ wants to do something glorious in your life! He has a purpose in the pain you have suffered and He wants to use it for your ultimate good.
There is freedom from bitterness, anger and hurt! Allow the Holy Spirit to bring healing to your heart and be FREE!! Be the one that is merciful. Forgive as Christ forgave you! It is a glorious feeling when you let go and let God work in the situation.
Jesus intends for us to forgive everyone. He understands what you have gone through. He understands that there will be scars. By forgiving, it doesn't mean that what happened to you was right, but it does allow you to be all right.
Lord, help me to be a merciful servant! I want to be like you Lord! Thank you for Your love and forgiveness. Help me to share that same spirit of love and forgiveness with others. I love you Lord!
Praising God for His Mercy,
Elisabeth
Webster's definition of forgive is
to give up resentment of or claim to revenge for or to relieve a debtor of the duty to repay. The Biblical definition comes from the Greek word for forgive, "aphiemi." It means "to let go from one's power, possesion, to let go free, let escape."
I love the reunion of Jacob and Esau that we find in Genesis 33. Jacob had just wrestled through with God and was about to meet his brother for the first time face to face since he had stolen his inheritance and blessing. Esau had been so devastated and so angry at the fact that he was wronged. He had held a grudge against his brother and planned to kill him. (Genesis 28:41). However, we see in Genesis 33:4 that when Esau saw him, he "ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him." Esau no longer held a grudge against Jacob. He had forgiven him and shown him mercy.
Grace is getting what we don't deserve and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Jacob had received both.
Another wonderful example in scripture is that of the unmerciful servant. (Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus tells a story of two servants who both owed debts. The one servant begged his master to be patient with him and his master cancelled his debt. (vs.26). He then went out and demanded payment from his fellow servant for a debt he owed him. No mercy! He even had him thrown into prison until he could pay back his debt. Because of his actions, his master also threw him in prison and had him tortured. (vs.34). We are given a very direct message from our Father in verse 35. Beloved, we must forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts!
How many times do we think we have the "right" to be angry? We feel as though we have the "right" to hold a grudge because of the way we have been wronged.
Sweet ones, please allow me to lovingly share from God's Word. Ephesians 4:30-32 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind an compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Let me be the first one to admit that I have failed miserably in this area. I have been there. Do not give the enemy get a foothold by holding on to hurt.
Many times, when we have been falsely wronged, we feel as though we have a right to hold on to that hurt. We say we have forgiven, but in reality, we hold on to the hurt and begin to become bitter. Trust me when I tell you that this is no way to live!
Living with unresolved hurt and an unforgiving heart is torture. Just as the unmerciful servant was tortured, we are tortured. We allow the enemy to take advantage of the situation and stir up bitterness and resentment. We become miserably paralized.
Maybe you were unjustly wronged and you feel as though you shouldn't be the one to ask forgiveness. Sisters, let it go! Christ wants to do something glorious in your life! He has a purpose in the pain you have suffered and He wants to use it for your ultimate good.
There is freedom from bitterness, anger and hurt! Allow the Holy Spirit to bring healing to your heart and be FREE!! Be the one that is merciful. Forgive as Christ forgave you! It is a glorious feeling when you let go and let God work in the situation.
Jesus intends for us to forgive everyone. He understands what you have gone through. He understands that there will be scars. By forgiving, it doesn't mean that what happened to you was right, but it does allow you to be all right.
Lord, help me to be a merciful servant! I want to be like you Lord! Thank you for Your love and forgiveness. Help me to share that same spirit of love and forgiveness with others. I love you Lord!
Praising God for His Mercy,
Elisabeth
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