Just a thought...

'If your life is not all you want it to be, it may be that you have some forgiving to do.' - Author unknown

'In his book. Lee: The Last Years, Charles Bracelen Flood reports that after the Civil War, Robert E. Lee visited a Kentucky lady who took him to the remains of a grand old tree in front of her house. There she bitterly cried that its limbs and trunk had been destroyed by Federal artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or at least sympathizing with her loss. After a brief silence, Lee said, "Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it." It is better to forgive the injustices of the past than to allow them to remain, let bitterness take root and poison the rest of our life.' - Michael Williams.

'You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.' Luke 6:36-37 (NLT)

Practicing Forgiveness

C.S. Lewis said, "We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it."

To conclude tonight's message on practicing forgiveness, I asked everyone to take out a piece of paper and write the following:

• Write down everything that God will not forgive.
• Write down everything that you will not forgive.

The next time you are angry, offended, or hurt, take out this piece of paper. If the offence is on this list, then you do not have to forgive. But, if it isn't, practice forgiveness.

Stay Cool! & "Sorry" is Enough

Wrapped up our Rescuing Frankenstein Relationships series this morning. I'm convinced the monster of anger and unforgiveness is the culprit of more damaged relationships than anything else.

Anger itself is not bad. Anger is a God-given emotion to alert us when something is wrong and it needs fixed. But, angry responses such as venting, revenge, or 'bottling-up' provides an opportunity for Satan to work.

Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:26 - 27)

"Stay Cool!" If you don't, someone more horrible than you will take control.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31 - 32)

Forgiveness is the key to any lasting relationship. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. How has God forgiven us? Is there any limit to God's forgiveness?

God's grace is Amazing! And, by His grace, we can manage our anger and forgive others.