One night in a church service a young woman felt
the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's calling and
accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a
very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But,
the change in her was evident; as time went on she became a
faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in
the ministry, teaching young children.
It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught
the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and
they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began.
You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman
with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The
church began to argue and fight about the matter.
So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their
arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting
completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about
all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to
cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain
it was causing his wife-to-be.
He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancée's past
is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the
ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have
put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or
not?"
The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had
been slandering the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Too often,
even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon
against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very
foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the
blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then
it cannot cleanse us completely.
If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What
can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of
case!!! Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you.
He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23
We as Christians need to stop condemning our family members and
demonstrate more clearly the forgiving nature of our Father in
Heaven. Jesus Christ said: “If you do not forgive, then my Father
in Heaven will not forgive you”… such a powerful statement… After
all once you've accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and
ask forgiveness of your sins… Your sinful slate is wiped clean,
(the sin no longer exits in God’s eyes).
What is it about Christians, which makes us so judgmental against
each other? We are told not to Judge least we be judged; yet it
continues daily within the body of Christ!! Brother’s and
Sister’s, who wants to be part of a family that continues to
judge each other for past actions?
When you take a close look at Jesus Christ… was He judgmental or
was He of a forgiving nature? When others look at you… Do they
really see Jesus, or do they see Christians who can’t forgive the
sins of others, which our God has already forgiven?
Here is a simple prayer that will lift up your brother’s and
sister’s. There is no cost but a lot of rewards, let's continue
to pray for one another. Here is the prayer:
Father,
"I ask you
to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this
right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power.
Holy spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very
moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy.
Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through
your grace."
In Jesus' precious name.
Amen
