UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS

Join us for communityfestmn.com Aug. 22  5 to 8  -Baptisms come and join in.

Only because of Jesus are we able to extend unconditional forgiveness. If we love and serve Him, He will give us the grace we need to forgive others.

“…for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:10

We’re called to confess and repent of our own sins, and we’re called to unconditionally forgive the sins of others.
  “…forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions.” Mark 11:25
The Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers holds a potent message for New Testament Christians.

This story of one man’s forgiving love for his sinful brothers is a beautiful picture of God’s love and grace for sinful man.

Now the fact that Jacob loved Joseph so dearly did not mean that he loved his other sons any less.

He had faithfully cared for and blessed all his children.
They had received the same loving guidance and discipline, yet the older sons became jealous over what appeared to be one brother’s favored position.
Joseph seemed to get everything his heart desired, including a fancy coat of many colors. He was more blessed, more favored, more coddled—and it made them angry and jealous.
Have you ever been guilty of envying a brother in the Lord who seems to get everything he wants?
*His prayers always seem to be answered quickly.
*He never appears lonely, unloved or unneeded while you feel forsaken and alone.
*The roots of bitterness and jealousy begin to grow.

This is dangerous ground. The moment we believe our heavenly Father loves us less than He loves someone else, we open ourselves to all kinds of evil.
*Whenever we complain about our circumstances, whether aloud or silently in our hearts, we accuse God of neglect.
Beware! This is the very attitude that brought so much trouble to Joseph’s brothers.

Sometimes we are called to experience rejection for the Son of God living in us.

When we carry the cross of Christ, the world and even our families sometimes look at us as though we have a few marbles out of place.

Lord: Help me to follow You , live for You,  live in You.  Show me Your mission for me and help me to do it. Help me to put You first above everything else for your Glory and my joy.  Amen