Hello, John and Doves,
Brother Frank, you and I both
know you're right.
The proof of what you're
saying is written in the New Testament book of Hebrews:
"1Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race
marked out for us. 2Let
us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter
of our faith, who for the
joy set before him endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. 3Consider
him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so
that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
We are "the joy that was set
before him." but only because God forgave us.
It is written,
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Mike C.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Frank R
Molver (3 Apr 2012)
"Coulby's deeper
present day deeper look at Matthew"
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/march2012/coulbyd331.htm
Good letter, I am glad I read it.
Here is part of it
6:14 speaks of forgiveness, which is very important - you
must forgive everybody that has committed a wrong against
you - ever. I have done this personally, but let me give
you an example. Back in 2003 and 2004 I worked for the
family business. My dad is the owner of a real estate
company and 2003 and 2004 were BOOM years in real estate.
I mean we couldn't raise the prices of homes fast enough.
Everything was selling. But not for me. I was not a very
good salesperson. And one day I was sitting at the
computer and my dad told me in a most hateful way, "You
COST me money!" I can still remember it to this day. It is
probably the meanest thing anybody has ever said to me,
aside from some of the comments I get on my Youtube
channel! Things like that do damage to you. And anytime
anybody says or does something mean like that you need to
dwell on what happened and release that hurt and say in
your heart, "I forgive that person." And that hurt will be
lifted away and it will be like a weight lifted from your
shoulders, almost like taking a heavy pack off your back.
When you have unforgiveness in your heart. you have a
weight on your shoulders whether you realize it or not.
And, in order for you to move forward, you need to let
that go. Unforgiveness toward a person creates resentment
and bitterness against that person and you will not be
free until you let that go.
Jesus says you need to forgive others of their trespasses
toward you or He will not forgive you of your trespasses.
You need to dwell on it and release it and get rid of the
unforgiveness.