Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
We have talked about the difficulty in forgiving others when the offender doesn't even think he has done anything wrong. It is a dilemma, because our inner sense of justice demands some kind of resolution. And there's that person, thinking everything is just hunky-dorey, while YOU struggle with forgiving someone who has NOT repented! Then, every time you say the Lord's Prayer, and come to that part "as we forgive those who have trespassed against us", it brings the whole issue up again because you REALLY want to do the right thing...but it's SO hard!
In times like that, it is helpful to look at the two greatest examples of Forgiveness in the New Testament: Jesus on the Cross, and St. Stephen being stoned to death. Both of them said nearly the same thing:
"Father, Forgive Them..."
Both Jesus and Stephen RELEASED the offender to The FATHER for forgiveness. Since God is Omniscient, He knows EXACTLY how you feel, and precisely the depth of the wrong that was done to you. He is also the Righteous Judge, and has not one shred of darkness or duplicity. Therefore, only He can Judge Rightly and Only He can Forgive.
Being sinners ourselves, we may have to "release the offender:" to the Father more than once, but at least we are following the example of Christ and Stephen.
It's VERY Liberating.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
"The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance..” Psalm 33 NASB
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS