The Keys To Victory (Part 4)

The Keys To Victory (Part 4)

-Sin brings hurt and division. 

-It causes heartache and misery. 

-Sin is what we think, say, and do that violates God’s law. 

-It is behind all crime, poverty, war, and injustice. 

-Sin includes both sins of omission and commission-the first being not doing what we know we should do and the latter being doing what is wrong.   

As a result of sin, we not only hurt ourselves but others are damaged by our words and actions. Families are split. People are separated from each other and from God. Our planet is spoiled,  nations are at war, and society suffers from crime.  We live in a sinful environment, a world that requires forgiveness from God and one that requires that we continually forgive others.

The central message of  the Gospel is that transgressions can only be dealt with through the forgiveness extended to us by God and that once He forgives us, then the process is set in motion for us to forgive others.  Tragically, millions of people have never experienced God's unmerited forgiveness.  Our churches are filled with people who think that they must do something to earn His forgiveness. 

The only way you can break through the lock of unforgiveness is to accept God’s gift of forgiveness made possible through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.  Then you will be able to extend forgiveness to others and your offerings will be acceptable to God.

Peter once asked Jesus how often he should forgive a person who repeatedly wronged him. Jesus replied, "seventy times seven"; basically indicating there should be no limit on forgiveness.  The point is plain and simple, that God's forgiveness has no limit and neither should ours.

We often find it incredibly hard to say we are sorry or to forgive a person who has hurt us or someone we love. Anyone can speak the words "I forgive you," but they are often muttered through clenched teeth and with looks and actions that convey a different message. Forgiveness is not a word which is merely announced. It is a gift which is given and then must be lived out in everyday life.  When that lock is opened blessing will begin to fall from heaven.