Yesterday we read Jesus’s parable of the king who forgave his servant—who then refused to forgive a fellow-servant. From this parable, we learned that to refuse to forgive is hypocritical. But there’s a second lesson.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Forgiveness
When You Are the Offended, Part 1
Over the past few days, we have examined Jesus’s words to us when we have offended someone. Tough steps . . . yet essential. But what about when someone offends us? The apostle Peter asked Jesus a similar question.
Read MoreWhen You Are the Offender, Part 2
Let’s say you’ve mustered the courage to approach someone you’ve offended. You’ve confessed what you did with sincerity. You’ve asked for forgiveness. But he or she refuses to forgive you. Now what?
Read MoreWhen You Are the Offender, Part 1
Matthew 5:23–24 describes in a nutshell the correct response and procedure to follow when we have been in the wrong and have offended someone.
Read MoreA Reason to Forgive
When wrong has been done against another person, there are only two possibilities of blame. But whether we are responsible for the offense or we are the recipients of it, the first move is always ours.
Read MoreGod’s Forgiveness of Us
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:11–12) Truth be told, it’s God’s forgiveness of us that makes possible our forgiving others. When on […]
Read MoreGod’s Required Course: Forgiveness
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. (Luke 23:34) This is a true story, told to me by a young seminary student I met years ago. I’ll call him Aaron (not his real name). Late one spring Aaron was […]
Read MoreThree Basic Ingredients of Servanthood
The Word of God lays a solid, biblical foundation for what it means to have a servant mentality. But let’s get some handles on what’s involved in pulling it off. For starters, let me suggest three basic ingredients of servanthood.
Read MoreKey Questions about Life after Death
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9) Let’s consider several significant concerns regarding resurrection. How can a loving God send people to hell? I would […]
Read MoreHope for Everyone Who Believes
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who […]
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