Forgiveness

I John 4:19 “.…He first loved us.

 
Our Heavenly Father loved us first.  First, before we loved Him?  Yes, that is what the Bible says.  First, before our thoughts were toward Him.  First, when we were still in a state of rebellion.  First, when we were in all our unrighteousness.  First, when we rejected Him and lifted up our own self-righteousness.  First, when we loved the world and the things of the world.  First, when we went our own way doing that which was right in our own eyes.  What was there then about us for God to love us first?  The answer is obvious——nothing!  That’s right.  There never has been and never will be anything about us that is endearing and would cause God to love us; therefore, His love is based solely and completely on His Sovereignty.  After reading the list of questions above, our total depravity is evident; consequently, only when God first loves us can there be any hope for any of us.
As we meditate on this thought, let us who have so undeservedly received God’s great love consider how we extend this love to others.  Do we love unconditionally or only when we receive something in return?  Do we love only when someone else extends their love to us first?  Do we love without requiring  certain conditions or standards to be met?  How can we who have been loved first in our state of total depravity turn around and become selective in extending our love?  
This brings to mind the Biblical parable of “The Unmerciful Servant” found in Matthew 18:23-30:
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.”
The cruelty of the first servant to forgive the second servant after he had been so kindly treated is obvious and makes us want to cry out 
“how could he do that?”  And yet, have we as Christians, who have been so tenderly forgiven and cared for, often failed to show forth forgiveness and mercy when we are wronged?  Let each one of us carefully examine our hearts to see if we are harboring unforgiveness and holding grudges.  Forgiving means wiping the slate clean for when Christ “first loved us,” He also promised us complete forgiveness which He bought, not with “corruptible things as silver and gold,” but with His own “precious blood.”  I Peter 1:18-19
 
Theme: The Better Way: Forgiving Unconditionally Is God’s Way
 

About Gail Slawson

I am a 74 year old wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. After 54 years of marriage, my husband and I have been richly blessed with 4 wonderful children and their wonderful mates and 19 precious grandchildren, five of whom are already with the Lord and 5 great-grandchildren. My husband and I are busy retirees and reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where we serve the Lord Jesus Christ through Bible Studies, as mentors in our church and telling others about Him "as we go." Mark 16:15
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2 Responses to Forgiveness

  1. Anita says:

    It’s hard to comprehend but so true. Thanks for reminding me.Thanks for sharing.

    Like

  2. Dolores says:

    Good words, Gail.

    Like

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