Restorative Forgiveness

 

    People naturally want to feel important.  The apostles were no different.  They were special because they were chosen to be Jesus' closest friends and companions, but there were still 12 of them.  There was a natural competition of sorts to try to figure out who was the greatest.  It got to the point where they went to Jesus to ask who would be the greatest in Heaven.  

    Jesus doesn't have time for petty things like that, but he did see that it was important to them, so he called over a child to make a point.  We all have to become like children: innocent, desire love, dependent. and humble.  Only the humble will enter Heaven.  The humblest is the greatest, but as soon as you become aware you loss that which made you special.  Don't seek being special or great and you will become both.  You have to be humble to be able to follow Christ.  

    The world prefers sin.  They will do what they want to drive the children away from Jesus.  That is the very worst thing anyone can do.  If you cause even one child to fall away from God, then death would be the better fate for you.  

    You have to remove yourself from that to be able to follow Jesus.  Remove whatever may cause you to sin because it is better to enter Heaven mutilated than go to hell fire complete and beautiful.  This is not endorsing self-harm or mutilation, but sin is that real.  Sin can twist this truth to cause people to do self-harm.  It is about discovering healing love.  It is your soul is at risk.

    Don't look down on humility or innocence.  It is something to desire.  It is a quality of being like Christ.  You can be innocent and not a fool.  In all reality it can open your eyes to see things more clearly and help you remove unhealthy relationships while preserving those that may require a little work. but are good for your life.

    When you have issues with someone or must face a person in sin (church discipline), then go to them privately.  If they will not listen, then take two or three loving Godly witnesses for testimony.  These are people that know the truth, but do not gossip, seek harm or vengeance, and are Christians seeking reconciliation.  If the person still refuses to listen, then take the situation before God's church leadership.  It is then the responsibility of the church to handle the situation Biblically.  You can wash your hands of the situation and forgive, but it does not mean you have to let them back into your life.

    Christians are strongest when we are together.  We are less likely to stray, but if one does then it is all of our responsibility to go after them.  Forgiveness is required as a part of a Christian lifestyle.  After all, Christians are just people that follow Christ.  The hope is that forgiveness will bring about repentance.  Repentance should bring restoration.

    Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do in life.  It is not always a one time decision.  It can be a daily decision until you are finally able to forget.  It goes against every part of the human nature.  It is like settling an account and accepting that you got shorted and letting it go.  However we must do it as many times as is thrust upon us to need to forgive.  It is a never ending journey on Earth.

    Forgiveness is taking pity on the offender to cancel out their debt to you.  When you chose forgiveness, then you treat other people better.  It is a lifestyle of mercy and compassion as it is required by God.  Look at your own sin and how Jesus died for it.  Remember how you were destined for hell before you judge too harshly.  Remember that it is a cycle of hate and death or love and sacrifice.  No one has to be tormented.

    It may require a lot of prayer, but what is wrong with that.  That should be a major part of your day anyway.  It is good to pray over your own heart, mouth, and mind.  Prayer can drive them to loving actions.  After all, it is the heart that God cares about.

Matthew 18