“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”(Luke 15:18 NIV) Over the years, my prayers of confession have come to resemble that of the son in today’s passage. Even though he had sinned against his father, the prodigal son acknowledged that his sin was pre-eminently against God. When King David confessed his sin withContinueContinue reading “Seek God’s Pardon First”
Category Archives: New Testament
They Don’t Know What They’re Doing
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV) I’ve come to the realization that oftentimes, people who hurt us really don’t know what they’re doing. I believe that for the most part, they’re truly acting in ignorance. Realizing this truth will help us to forgive thoseContinueContinue reading “They Don’t Know What They’re Doing”
Let It Go
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13 NIV) Once, two kindergarten students were fighting over a toy. “Let it go!” yelled one of them. “Let it go!” shouted the other, and soon, the whole class was singingContinueContinue reading “Let It Go”
Confess Your Mess
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV) After a discussion on the topic of sin, a student determined that she wasn’t going to sin once she left the classroom. The teacher reminded her that it wouldContinueContinue reading “Confess Your Mess”
Forgive and Forget?
“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”(Hebrews 10:17 NIV) God says He’ll remember our sins “no more,” which means that God will never use the past against us (Psalm 103:12), not that He’ll forget our sins because God doesn’t forget. Similarly, we can’t forget the wrong that was done to us, evenContinueContinue reading “Forgive and Forget?”
Choose to Forgive
If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?But with you there is forgiveness; so that we can, with reverence, serve you. (Psalm 130:3-4 NIV) One of the many wonderful attributes of God is His forgiveness. He always stands ready to forgive, and He does so freely. The Bible tells us, “asContinueContinue reading “Choose to Forgive”
Restored Relationships
Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left,ContinueContinue reading “Restored Relationships”
He Loves Us Just the Way We Are
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV) A few years ago, I had a student who I grew to love. At first glance, there was probably not much to love about him. For a four-year-old, he was very tiny, stillContinueContinue reading “He Loves Us Just the Way We Are”
Pour on the Love
Now, regarding the one who started all this—the person in question who caused all this pain… Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it. My counsel now is to pour onContinueContinue reading “Pour on the Love”
Knowledge Without Love
Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. (1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT) I’m an inquisitive person by nature, so when it comes to the Bible, IContinueContinue reading “Knowledge Without Love”
Rising with the Son 