How to forgive.

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Eph 4:32 NKJV

In 1982, John Hinckley Jr. attempted to take the life of President Ronald Reagan by shooting him with a handgun. Reagan's daughter, Patti, later recounted what she learned from her father when he was in hospital: "My father said he knew his physical healing was directly dependent on his ability to forgive John Hinckley...It showed me that forgiveness is the key to everything...He gave me an example of Christ-like thinking."

Sometimes the wounds that others inflict on us are unintentional, and other times they are deliberate. But in both cases the Scriptures give us a clear standard concerning the wrongs we experience. You are to forgive those who hurt you, "even as God in Christ forgave you."

That's a high standard, but it's one that brings healing for our deepest wounds. Sometimes we dispense forgiveness like a soft drink from a vending machine— mechanically, and with no feelings attached. But the Bible says two attitudes should accompany forgiveness:

• kindness, which is expressed in our actions, and
• tenderheartedness, which is expressed in our attitudes.

Why? Because that's the way God forgives us. Throughout Scripture we find emotions or characteristics such as kindness, gentleness, compassion, and tenderness-in word or by action-ascribed to God. We also find examples of it in the lives of those God used to fulfill His plans and purposes.

Joseph was one of them, when he forgave his brothers who betrayed him. And He calls on us to do the same. This kind of forgiveness is as much an act of the heart as it is an act of the will.

How to forgive Forgive those who hurt you.
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How to get what you want.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Mt 6:33 NIV

The first step to getting what you want in life is knowing what you want. Jesus said, in essence, "The key to getting what you want out of life is to focus on what I want for your life." Note the words "seek first."

This word "seek" means

• "to strive for diligently" or
• "to desire strongly."

The action is continuous. It says,

• "Keep on striving for,
• keep on seeking,
• keep on desiring daily."

When Jesus says,"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness," it means you don't have to pray about what your top priority in life ought to be; everything you do will be ordered by those two things.

• Where you work,
• how you spend your time,
• the person you marry,
• how you manage your money,
• the relationships you form,
• the pastimes you enjoy,
• the purchases you make—

all of these will be sifted and sorted through one filter: "Is this for His kingdom? Does it relate to His righteousness?" Can't you see how living this way would

• transform your marriage,
• your work,
• your family,
• your finances,
• and every other area of your life?

But in order to pursue the priorities of the kingdom, you must first have a relationship with the King. You won't even know where the kingdom is, or what it looks like, until you know the King. And you can know Him. How? As you open the pages of His Word and open your heart, there He will reveal Himself to you. And as you spend time with Him in prayer, He will respond to you.

How to get what you want Keep striving-keep seeking-keep desiring daily.

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JAN. 15, 2025

Know your purpose, know your partners

"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Jn 20:21 NIV

In order to identify God's will for your life, you must be clear about two things:

(1) Your purpose. Facing the cross, Jesus said, "For this cause came I into the world" (Jn 18:37). Your passion is that area of your life that fires you up.

• It might be world hunger, or
• neglected veterans, or education.
• You see little kids growing up in under resourced school districts, and they're never going to have a chance to learn, and it just kills you.
• Or unwed moms, or
• the gospel being proclaimed unclearly.

Instead of finding your passion in the area of your opportunities and your skills, sometimes you will find it in the area of your hurts and scars. From people who struggle with addictions, to those who have spent time in prison, to those who contend with emotional disorders-there are so many areas. God won't waste a hurt.

(2) Your partners. Jesus called twelve disciples, then He dispatched them on a brief mission two at a time so they could go together. So along with your passions and strengths and scars, you need people in your life who will encourage you, applaud you, and take part in what you are doing. Paul spells out his passion: "The longing of my heart...is for the people of Israel to be saved" (Ro 10:1 NLT). Paul also knew his partners: "Every time I think of you, I give thanks...for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ" (Php 1:3, 5 NLT). So, the word for you today is-know your purpose, know your partners.

Know your purpose, know your partners God won't waste a hurt.

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