Everyday Stars: Forgivers
Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?
Matthew 18:21 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'
Luke 23:34 (NKJV)
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)
If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:15 (NKJV)
Everyday stars are ALWAYS forgivers. To 'forgive' is 'to grant pardon; to cancel an indebtedness' (Random House Dictionary). 'The sinner is by this act of grace forever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins' (Easton Bible Dictionary).
Jesus is the Ultimate Forgiver. We are commanded to follow His lead.
Forgive what? Anyone who has harmed or misjudged us; anything that may be personally, ethically or legally owed us, including pay, property, position, respect or even our family’s love. Everyday stars choose to forgive… EVERYTHING!
Forgive who?
Ugly bullies,
Unfair bosses,
Unkind teachers,
Betraying friends,
Greedy scammers,
Bold-faced liars,
Sloppy servers,
Loud-mouthed racists,
Lousy parents,
Nosy neighbors…
And the person who 'stole' your parking place. Because…
Jesus forgave the men who stole His Life. But as we know, it wasn’t theirs to steal. (It was His to give as the price for ours.)
If Christ forgave His Own crucifiers, how can we not forgive those who harm us?
According to legendary author, C.S. Lewis, 'Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.'
According to Holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom, 'Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.'
Whether our hearts are hot, cold or hurting, the Lord commands us to forgive others, as He forgives us. Feel it or not, we just have to do it. How?
'Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm' (Psalm 37:8).
If we don't forgive the sins of others? 'Neither will your Father forgive your trespasses' (Matthew 6:15). Also consider 'The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant' in Matthew.
Also consider:
Harboring bitterness and resentment (although both may seem fully justified)… is a self-inflicted re-injury. Rather than healing, victims spiral down: emotionally and physically; spiritually and practically.**
Therefore, FORGIVENESS… is an attribute of everyday stars.
Everyday Stars: Forgivers (Part 5)
* Matthew 18:21-35: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A21-35&version=NIV
** Mayo Clinic Article on the effects of unforgiveness: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.