The Consequences Of Unforgiveness

By pastorbillwalden

From Matthew 18:21-35

http://vimeo.com/30875768

How Open Is The Door?

By pastorbillwalden

We have all been hurt by someone.  Every Christian knows the importance of forgiveness, and that we are commanded to forgive.  We may imagine ourselves ready to forgive if and when that offender walks back through the door of our life.

But one thing we need to consider is this: how open is that door?  

How ready are you to receive that offender?  What are your current emotions towards that person?  How much do you expect of them regarding them recognizing their offense against you?  How much do they need to acknowledge before you can feel comfortable around them again?  How much do you currently love them?

Regarding that person that offended you: how open is the door of your life for them?  Does that offender know that the door is open, or do they imagine that it is nailed shut?

Finally, Jesus is the ultimate example for every Christian.  We have sinned against Him, but the door is always wide open for us to come back to Him.  We are encouraged to come “boldly to the throne of grace”.  Jesus longs for us to come to Him, and then come back to Him as needed.  How much of His heart is in you regarding those that have offended you?

1 Peter 4:8

By pastorbillwalden

“And above all things, have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Cover- to hide, veil, hinder the knowledge of a thing.

We have all had people sin against us. Often times, we have insider information on them and their sins. Information that we could use to make them look bad, and validate our position and character. If such information was leaked, people would know that we are not as guilty as the other party makes us out to be. The public would know that we indeed have been fair and loving. In order to let the public know that we have been fair and loving, the truth of someone else’s sin would have to be exposed, so as to let the general public know the whole story.

Instead, it is information that we willingly keep hidden, so as to not unnecessarily expose another person’s sins. The result can be that we are misjudged and misunderstood. We are criticized for our reactions to that person.

At least, this is how it can seem to be. God knows the whole story, and sees our blind spots. Read more »

Forgiveness Vs. Restoration

By pastorbillwalden

There seems to be confusion among some in the Body of Christ regarding forgiveness and restoration. Forgiveness and restoration are not the same thing. We do well to understand the difference.

Forgiveness is mandated by Jesus. We are commanded to forgive those who have wronged us, just as God in Christ has forgiven us. Forgiveness simply means that you choose to not hold one’s sins against them. Forgiveness is a releasing of one’s sins from them. That’s the simple definition. Let’s allow that to be sufficient for the moment.

Restoration is very different. It is the rejoining of two people in a relationship. Ideally, the goal is to be restored to someone to the same depth of relationship as existed prior to the offense or offenses. Sometimes that is possible, and sometimes it doesn’t seem possible. I say seem, but I know that all things are possible with God.

Restoration can never take place without forgiveness, but forgiveness doesn’t always guarantee restoration. Forgiveness is a choice made by the one giving it. Restoration has to be earned by the one who caused the damage. Read more »