Pastor's Notes

August 2016

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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD!

 

Did you realize that living with an unforgiving spirit is similar to going around, all day, every day, with a large backpack that is filled with rocks [HEAVY ROCKS] hanging from your shoulders? That is a burden that God never intended for us to bear. Listen to what Jesus has to say about it.

 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” ~  Matthew 11:28-30


Consider some of the benefits of choosing to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness. 

 

1. It is our spirit of forgiveness that enables us to experience God’s forgiveness.

 

      Listen again to what Jesus has to say.

 

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. ~ Matthew 6:14, 15 

 

2. It is our spirit of forgiveness that prevents bitterness from weighing down our heart and mind and  crushing our spirit.

 

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.   Hebrews 12:14, 15


3. It is our spirit of forgiveness that enables us to live in the light.

 

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness.10 Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.11 But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. ~ 1 John 2:9-11


4. It is our spirit of forgiveness, but it is empowered by the Spirit of God.

 

 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. ~ Ephesians 4:30-32


When we go back to the first scripture we considered, Matthew 11:28-30, we see it is really very simple.

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30 The Message