Unforgiving

253 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, Next on our list of strength sapping behaviors in the church is “unforgiving.” The King James says “trucebreakers.” I must admit, I didn't see that one coming! I understand unforgiveness, but how does that tie into a “trucebreaker.” What is a trucebreaker? It is someone who goes back to war with someone after agreeing not to go back to war. Hence this unforgiving trait that shows up in the church is for people who forgive with their lips, but they still harbor unforgiveness in their hearts. When you sign up to be a follower of Christ, you sign up to forgive others of their trespasses against you. Unforgiveness in a church can be a huge problem and you can see how it can sap the strength out of a the life of a congregation and out of the life of a Christian. We are reminded of the danger of “trucebreaking,” every time we recite the Lords Prayer as Jesus taught us to pray. He said we ought to pray, “And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.” Then He went on to say in Mt 7:14, 15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Strong words, but to not forgive men's trespasses is to break the truce you signed when you signed on with Jesus! Eph 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” How much and how often must you forgive? 7 times? Jesus told Peter 7 times 70 which is just another way of saying....always! Trucebreaking unforgiveness will rear its ugly head in the church until our Lord returns, be aware of it and don't let it lure you into breaking the truce. Ro 12:18,19 reminds us: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. You want justice after you've been wronged? Forget it! For your part, forgive and let God take care of the rest!