words can never be enough.

Hey guys! sorry for the long absence. thought of posting this up to help us remember God's words and his precious lessons better :)

~Word on 18/2: Mercy~

A little excercise to begin with:

- on a scale of 1 - 10, rate how forgiving you are.
(10 being very forgiving and 1 being unforgiving, relatively speaking)

Why do we need forgiveness?
1) so that others and ourselves will not give up being a better person and to give one another a chance to turn over a new leaf
2) because God has forgiven us of our sins, even when we were still unworthy of his love

[Turn to 2 Cor 2:7]

Sometimes we find it hard to offer forgiveness. but at other times we find it hard to receive forgiveness, because we have not forgiven ourselves.

[Turn to Col 3:13]

We have a choice when we encounter conflicts or other unpleasant situations. that is, whether we want to use our time and energy for --- RESOLUTION or RETALIATION.

what are some of the things stopping us from forgiving someone?

- many cannot differentiate between trust and forgiveness.
Comparision:
1) Forgiveness needs to be IMMEDIATE vs trust needs to be BUILT OVER TIME
2) Forgiveness is required for PAST events vs trust refers to FUTURE events

That means, we 'forgive' immediately but need not 'trust' immediately. Only after we forgiven then can we trust.

Also, other feelings like anger and bitterness may be expressed openly but forgiveness has to be something from within. Thus, sometimes we can put up a front of having forgiven someone while still holding grudges in the heart. That will not be true forgiveness.

and also think about how to APPLY this in your life.
- is there someone you have not found the strength to forgive him/her?
- is there someone you thought you have forgiven but still feel grudgeful towards?

Always forgive because GOD'S FORGIVENESS IS UNCONDITIONAL :)

Hope God spoke to you.

keeping you in prayer always!

-jo