The Call To Overcome: Unforgiveness
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:15 (ESV)
What’s more (slyly) harmful than temptation? What’s more insidiously destructive?
It’s a mountain that casts a long shadow. Sometimes sufferers settle in darkness.
It’s an insult beyond the injury. It prevents a victim’s recovery.
It’s a hazard without a warning sign. Depressed drivers feel too weak to move on.
It’s an entitlement to stay angry, because righteous anger feels justified.
It’s an invitation to seek revenge (or at least enjoy a wrongdoer’s fall.) *
This potentially deadly condition is UNFORGIVENESS.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
If, in the past, you or someone you love was grievously harmed, intentionally or accidentally, a life’s course becomes VISIBLY harder (with “visible” being a keyword here.)
Perhaps it was repetitive insults– because mean words (like fiery darts) can wound!
Perhaps it was something unspeakable: a prison-worthy criminal act.
Consider the crime of Joseph’s brothers. Consider the crime of killing Jesus.
If, in the past, YOU did something harmful and people were injured because of you, consider the crimes of Paul (before Christ.)
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
As actors and artists, you’re VISIBLE. Friends, fans, and VIPs are watching you.
The world doesn’t believe in forgiveness, because ‘The Accuser’ (Revelation 12:10) still controls it. But you are NOT called to follow the world– nor are you called to hatred or vengeance.
You’re called to follow the lead of Jesus. He FORGAVE EVERYBODY… EVERYTHING!
Certainly, it’s easier said than done! But God gave you the power and mandate to forgive others and forgive yourself!
Consider two things:
You’re called by Jesus to a great mission on Earth’s neediest field: Entertainment. Love and forgiveness must be your theme songs. Without singing them, you can’t rise and shine.
Like Jesus and Paul, don’t harbor grudges– or even regrets. They’re demons who fly with Unforgiveness. They must be cast out for you to advance.
Urgent Reminder:
When you forgive perps (including yourself), REFILL THE SPACE they used to inhabit (because voids leave holes that beg to be filled.) Do so with love and the Presence of God! **
The Call To Overcome: The Insurmountable Obstacle? No! (Part 11)
* Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him’ (Proverbs 24:17-18).
** ‘When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation’ (Matthew 12:43-45).