FORGIVENESS

By Peggy Little

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.” Genesis 45:4

     The story of Joseph is an early account of the forgiving nature God expects us to display in our treatment of those who have wronged us. It is a prime example of Christ-like love. Though Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and deceived his father into thinking him dead, when he confronts his brothers during their time of need, forgiveness and love burst forth from his heart.

     With uncanny faith in the overriding providence of God, Joseph even professes his belief that God had redeemed his brother’s betrayal of him by using it as a means to deliver his family during the time of famine. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brother’s sin is so complete that he kisses each of them and weeps with joy at being united with them once again.

     So let’s go on a little farther and let me ask you these questions.

     Do you suppose that while Joseph was being sent to misery and an almost certain death in Egypt that he thought God was preparing him to rule a nation? Do you suppose that while he was imprisoned in darkness and filth that he felt the anticipation of one preparing for a glorious future? Do you suppose that during the long, forced march to Egypt he was thankful to his brother’s for acting as the hand of God moving him toward the realization of his destiny? I don’t think so.

     Yet when Joseph forgave his brother’s, he revealed a long-term attitude of heart that allowed his suffering to become his strength.

     God expects us to forgive because we’re growing in Christ-like love. But more personally, when we forgive, we allow God to take the mean treatment we receive and turn it into the forging of a character that allows God to use us to rule in our own Egypt.

     Who is God using to shape your character? And too! Are you forgiving?

     Please take heed to what forgiving is all about and search your heart to see if there is something or someone you need to ask forgiveness for.

     I love you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

THE CROSS DOES NOT RECOGNIZE CLASS DISTINCTIONS

1 Corinthians 1:17-18

17) “For Christ sent me not to baptize but to Preach the Gospel not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.18) “For the Preaching of the Cross is to them who perish foolishness but unto us who are saved, it is the Power of God.

Ø  The cross is offensive because it makes moral and immoral persons go to heaven by the same road; the cross makes rich and poor enter heaven by the same door; the cross makes the philosopher and peasant walk on the same highway of holiness.

Ø  Therefore, the wise man says, “What! Am I to be saved by the same cross which saves a man who doesn’t even know the alphabet?” The very rich and sophisticated lady asks, “Am I to be saved in the same fashion as my servant-girl?”

Ø  The middle-class moral person says, “What! Am I to walk beside a prostitute and drunkard on the road to heaven?” We’re all equal at the Cross!

The only solution for sin, the only answer to sin, is the Cross of Christ!

Who is Your Best Friend?

Read: John 15:12-17 – 12) “This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you. 13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14) You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. 15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16) You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17) These things I command you, that you love one another”.

Jesus Christ is man’s best Friend. Christians are not only forgiven of their sins and gifted with eternal life; their relationship with God is transformed from enmity to intimacy.

Abraham was called a “friend of God.” (James 2:23) Jesus” disciples were not merely students but “friends.” (John 15:13) During His earthly ministry, His disposition toward even the most despised of men, tax-gathers, was characterized by friendliness.

As your Friend, Jesus loves you as no other can. He loves you when you behave miserably, when others reject you and misunderstand you; Jesus embraces you, comforts you, and counsels you.

As your holy Friend, Jesus listens with compassion. You can complain, argue, gripe, moan, cry, or grieve. He sympathizes with every emotion without turning you away.

Jesus’ friendship is unceasing. There is never a moment, a nanosecond, when you are without His intimate presence. At the height of loneliness, Jesus is with you, in you, longing for you to look to Him for His unfailing help and consolation.

Is Jesus your Friend? Do you see Him only in a stern light; or do you hear Him call: “Friend, come and spend time with Me today”?

Friendship with God is life’s greatest pleasure and eternity’s everlasting reward.