Finding Peace in a Broken World
In a world often marked by conflict and division, following Christ's model of forgiveness stands as a beacon of hope and healing. But what does true forgiveness look like, and how can we cultivate it in our own lives?
At its core, forgiveness is about releasing the burden of past hurts and embracing the freedom that comes with letting go. It's a journey that begins with recognizing the conflicts we've been carrying in our lives and understanding that holding onto these hurts - HURTS US and holds us back from experiencing God's best - for us and others! In John 20:19-23, when Jesus appeared to his disciples the first words He spoke were - "Peace be to you." He repeated this again - emphasizing its importance. This peace wasn't just a casual or habitual greeting – it was a gifting and a commissioning! Jesus tells them, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." He's entrusting them (and by extension, us) with His ministry of reconciliation. To Be His Peace Makers in this World!
But how is this possible ... If we're harboring unforgiveness in our own hearts?
This is where the rubber meets the road! Jesus teaches us in Matthew 18:21-22 that we should forgive "not seven times, but seventy times-seven times" – essentially, without limit. Jesus makes the point - in the story of the King and the two servants -He shares (v23-35), where a king forgives one of his servants an "un-payable debt" (worth billions in today's world), only for that "forgiven servant" to later go out and refuse to forgive his 'fellow man' who owes him far-far less(a few thousand). His point is clear: we have been forgiven an immeasurable debt by God, so how can we possibly think to withhold forgiveness from others? Psalm 103:12 says - "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
But forgiveness isn't just about letting go – it's also about embracing a new perspective. In the story of Joseph in Genesis, we see a man who had every reason to seek revenge against his brothers who dropped him in a ditch - left him for dead - and subsequently sold him into slavery. Yet, after years of hardship and eventual rise to power (as the #2 man under Pharaoh in Egypt), Joseph's response to his brothers is one of forgiveness and reconciliation. He tells them, "What You intended for harm - God intended for good" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph had come to see his life's story through God's eyes, recognizing a greater purpose beyond his temporary personal pain.
This shift in perspective is crucial for our own journeys of forgiveness. It requires us to surrender our desire for retribution and trust in God's bigger picture. As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, "Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude."
The path to forgiveness often involves practical steps:
Sometimes, the person we need to forgive is no longer alive, they may even be unwilling to reconcile - or it would be impractical to connect with them. In those cases, we can still choose to forgive in our hearts, in a quiet time of prayer - bring the burden to God and release it to Him. I know from personal experience if you approach God with a humble and seeking heart - Holy Spirit - will reveal the circumstances of that event - what was going on - the things in their lives - the things in yours, the reasons behind it all and why things played out the way they did. Remember "hurt people - hurt people" (forgive them anyway) - we've all blown it in one way or another - "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." Luke 6:36).| You will begin to see things through God's merciful eyes and realize that ... all things really do work together for good (Romans 8:28). Release the circumstance, all the parties including yourself to Him.
He will take the burden you were never meant' to bear. Just as Jesus did at the cross - as the people were "divvying up" the very clothes off His back - He prayed - "Father forgive them - for they know not what they do"! - Can we forgive - as Christ did? If so - a Peace that surpasses all understanding will rise in your heart and shine for the world to see! It will indeed be a new day for you and for them! You will be released! There is always Hope!
A powerful real-life example of radical forgiveness played out in a Texas courtroom in 2018. Brandt Jean, whose brother Botham had been tragically killed by an off-duty police officer Amber Guyger in a terrible mistake, stood before the court during sentencing. Instead of expressing anger or demanding harsh punishment, Brandt offered words of forgiveness. He told Guyger he didn't wish her any harm and encouraged her to give her life to Christ. In an extraordinary moment, he asked the judge for permission to hug her – a request that was granted, leading to an emotional embrace that moved the entire courtroom to loud sobbing.
This act of forgiveness didn't erase the pain or negate the need for justice. But it demonstrated the transformative power of choosing love over hate and mercy over vengeance. It was a glimpse of Kingdom forgiveness breaking through into a world of profound human tragedy.
Forgiveness of this magnitude is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Unforgiveness is like carrying heavy luggage through life, weighing us down and hindering our progress.
Forgiveness has the power to spark revival and transformation on a larger scale. History shows that great spiritual awakenings often begin with deep repentance and forgiveness. As individuals experience the freedom that comes from forgiving and being forgiven, it can create a ripple effect, touching families, communities, and even nations
In a world that often seems dominated by division and retribution, choosing forgiveness is a radical act - away from the norm. It's a declaration that we serve a God who is greater than our hurts, who can bring beauty from ashes and redeem even the most painful circumstances for His glory.
Today, take a moment to reflect: Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a burden of unforgiveness weighing you down? Bring it before God, ask for His help and healing - in releasing it, take that step towards freedom. Forgiveness is not just for the other person – it's a gift you give yourself. The path of 'Forgiveness' is one that leads to God's peace, power, and purpose in your life - and in the lives of others.
Blessings,
Bob
In a world often marked by conflict and division, following Christ's model of forgiveness stands as a beacon of hope and healing. But what does true forgiveness look like, and how can we cultivate it in our own lives?
At its core, forgiveness is about releasing the burden of past hurts and embracing the freedom that comes with letting go. It's a journey that begins with recognizing the conflicts we've been carrying in our lives and understanding that holding onto these hurts - HURTS US and holds us back from experiencing God's best - for us and others! In John 20:19-23, when Jesus appeared to his disciples the first words He spoke were - "Peace be to you." He repeated this again - emphasizing its importance. This peace wasn't just a casual or habitual greeting – it was a gifting and a commissioning! Jesus tells them, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." He's entrusting them (and by extension, us) with His ministry of reconciliation. To Be His Peace Makers in this World!
But how is this possible ... If we're harboring unforgiveness in our own hearts?
This is where the rubber meets the road! Jesus teaches us in Matthew 18:21-22 that we should forgive "not seven times, but seventy times-seven times" – essentially, without limit. Jesus makes the point - in the story of the King and the two servants -He shares (v23-35), where a king forgives one of his servants an "un-payable debt" (worth billions in today's world), only for that "forgiven servant" to later go out and refuse to forgive his 'fellow man' who owes him far-far less(a few thousand). His point is clear: we have been forgiven an immeasurable debt by God, so how can we possibly think to withhold forgiveness from others? Psalm 103:12 says - "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
But forgiveness isn't just about letting go – it's also about embracing a new perspective. In the story of Joseph in Genesis, we see a man who had every reason to seek revenge against his brothers who dropped him in a ditch - left him for dead - and subsequently sold him into slavery. Yet, after years of hardship and eventual rise to power (as the #2 man under Pharaoh in Egypt), Joseph's response to his brothers is one of forgiveness and reconciliation. He tells them, "What You intended for harm - God intended for good" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph had come to see his life's story through God's eyes, recognizing a greater purpose beyond his temporary personal pain.
This shift in perspective is crucial for our own journeys of forgiveness. It requires us to surrender our desire for retribution and trust in God's bigger picture. As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, "Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude."
The path to forgiveness often involves practical steps:
- Pray to God - to show you - if and who - you are holding onto bitterness or a vengeful heart. (Realize that's not God's best for you and ask Him for direction and how to reconcile).
- If Possible - with all meekness and sensitivity - approach the other person with humility and grace. (many times they may not even realize there's been an issue or what they might have done - or what you've done - or how this circumstance made you feel).
- Ask For and Extend Your Forgiveness - "I'm sorry - please forgive me". It's not a time to point out all their flaws/or how they've done you wrong. Seek reconciliation not retribution. Let them know that their relationship with you is so much more valuable than any misunderstanding we might have had.
- Relinquish - the outcome to God, knowing you've done your part.
Sometimes, the person we need to forgive is no longer alive, they may even be unwilling to reconcile - or it would be impractical to connect with them. In those cases, we can still choose to forgive in our hearts, in a quiet time of prayer - bring the burden to God and release it to Him. I know from personal experience if you approach God with a humble and seeking heart - Holy Spirit - will reveal the circumstances of that event - what was going on - the things in their lives - the things in yours, the reasons behind it all and why things played out the way they did. Remember "hurt people - hurt people" (forgive them anyway) - we've all blown it in one way or another - "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." Luke 6:36).| You will begin to see things through God's merciful eyes and realize that ... all things really do work together for good (Romans 8:28). Release the circumstance, all the parties including yourself to Him.
He will take the burden you were never meant' to bear. Just as Jesus did at the cross - as the people were "divvying up" the very clothes off His back - He prayed - "Father forgive them - for they know not what they do"! - Can we forgive - as Christ did? If so - a Peace that surpasses all understanding will rise in your heart and shine for the world to see! It will indeed be a new day for you and for them! You will be released! There is always Hope!
A powerful real-life example of radical forgiveness played out in a Texas courtroom in 2018. Brandt Jean, whose brother Botham had been tragically killed by an off-duty police officer Amber Guyger in a terrible mistake, stood before the court during sentencing. Instead of expressing anger or demanding harsh punishment, Brandt offered words of forgiveness. He told Guyger he didn't wish her any harm and encouraged her to give her life to Christ. In an extraordinary moment, he asked the judge for permission to hug her – a request that was granted, leading to an emotional embrace that moved the entire courtroom to loud sobbing.
This act of forgiveness didn't erase the pain or negate the need for justice. But it demonstrated the transformative power of choosing love over hate and mercy over vengeance. It was a glimpse of Kingdom forgiveness breaking through into a world of profound human tragedy.
Forgiveness of this magnitude is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Unforgiveness is like carrying heavy luggage through life, weighing us down and hindering our progress.
Forgiveness has the power to spark revival and transformation on a larger scale. History shows that great spiritual awakenings often begin with deep repentance and forgiveness. As individuals experience the freedom that comes from forgiving and being forgiven, it can create a ripple effect, touching families, communities, and even nations
In a world that often seems dominated by division and retribution, choosing forgiveness is a radical act - away from the norm. It's a declaration that we serve a God who is greater than our hurts, who can bring beauty from ashes and redeem even the most painful circumstances for His glory.
Today, take a moment to reflect: Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a burden of unforgiveness weighing you down? Bring it before God, ask for His help and healing - in releasing it, take that step towards freedom. Forgiveness is not just for the other person – it's a gift you give yourself. The path of 'Forgiveness' is one that leads to God's peace, power, and purpose in your life - and in the lives of others.
Blessings,
Bob
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
Recent
Archive
2025
February
March
May
June
July
2024
June
No Comments