Feb
28 |
How Many Times
Robin Scott |
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Listen |
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Luke 6:27-28 (NKJV)
But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
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Inquire |
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The hardest thing I have ever tried to do was love the sinner but hate the sin. I find myself hating both. I find myself glad that the child abuser is imprisoned, glad that the murderer is getting the death penalty. But Jesus said love your enemy, pray for the one who hurt you…it is difficult. The following passage reminds me of me at times…
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
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Faith |
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Why would Peter ask such a question? Well there can only be one reason, he was thinking about not forgiving someone. And this someone must have been what our legal system would call a “repeat offender”. Perhaps Peter could recall seven times he had issued grace, surely that was enough! Peter may have been thinking like many of us that the world would be a swell place if it were not for people. I am not much on quoting poetry but I found this one humorous…
To dwell above with those we love, well that will be glory;
To dwell below with those we know, well that’s another story.
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Experience |
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Lord help me to remember all the times you have forgiven me and give that same grace to others. Amen. |
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