Nougat 30

Please receive Today’s Holy Nougat

“But Yeshua was saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Then they cast lots, dividing up His clothing.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:34‬ ‭TLV‬‬

We wrestled for more than an hour. A small group of clergy trying to think through this business of Forgiveness. We addressed the hard issues – rape, physical abuse, other forms of sexual violence of any sort. Our conclusion: Forgiveness is hard but doable. It mustn’t be cheapened.

We debated whether forgiveness was dependent on words/deeds from the perpetrator; the jury was out. I maintained that it can; however the relationship could not be the same. For Christ forgave AND then released us to God.

But here’s the catch –

Although Jesus forgave, OUR relationship with Jesus was broken and remains broken until we find out way Back to Him. And that’s where Confession and Repentance become critical. In order for restoration to occur, trust has to exist, and repentance begins that process. (Well real trust that build rather than tears down).

Christ HAS forgiven us all; but we have not always repented or sought His forgiveness for our sins. The Forgiveness is ours for the taking; BUT there’s that bit we must do. We have to take responsibility for OUR actions. Otherwise it’s Cheap Grace.

Do we need to confess some sins today? Are there points of brokenness that require OUR confession and repentance? How do you respond to the Forgiveness debate?

Lord, teach us how to forgive, to release the issues and the hurt to You. Help us Jesus

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May all we seek be found in Christ