Your Past
How does the Scripture teach us to resolve past experiences? I find two ways. Firstly understanding that you are no longer a product of your past because we have become a new creation in Christ Jesus, old things have passed away 2 Corinthians 5:17 which makes us products of Christs work on the cross. This gives you the privilage of evaluating your past in the light of who you are now as opposed to who you were then. Can I suggest that the bondage we often feel lies not in the past trauma as much as the lies of the enemy at present. The Scripture says, "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free". Understanding the truth of the Word of God can smash the fetters of any past hang up.
Secondly, is forgiving those that have brought hurt and offence into your life. Forgiveness is not an option, it is a requirement of God Himself. Jesus taught it to His disciples in Matthew 6.
We must base our relationship with others as God bases His on us and that is on love, acceptance and forgiveness, thats why Jesus said in Matthew 6:14,15 "If you don't forgive...then your Father will not forgive you".
1 Comments:
I recently had to work out "forgiveness" and it made me realise i didn't understand it. I had to forgive someone who i don't know for something i don't even know they feel remorse for (my property was vandalised). It was oportunistic, pointless, expensive (not covered by insurance!) and hassel. I read matt 6 about 20 mins after i discovered the damage, while waiting on the police to arrive. I asked does forgiving mean that i am "ok" or think that this is "fine" because i don't. Does it mean that i disregard my emotions and deny my feelings. How do i forgive God knows who (meant reverently)when they don't ask and perhaps don't even care about their actions. God has forgiven me for my sins but I recieved this when i asked. Someone has yet to ask me!
The comfort in Matt6, for me, was v8b "for the Father knows what you need before you ask him." What I NEED not what I WANT. The Lord knew i needed a measure of grace and i got it - i was able to thank Him that this is short term hassel not long term pain. I no longer want to harm the perpetraitor(s) (still wouldn't mind 150 quid from them!) but i'm not sure how to forgive them - i don't know what it means ie "it doesn't matter" or how to emotionally get to the point where it DOESN'T matter. But thank you Lord that this was only a small worry to work through - and powerfully support anyone who has a major one to work out.
If anyone can enlighten me please don't hesitate ...
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