From the Pastor...

One of the reasons so many of us are unhappy much of the time, is our attitude toward those around us. We react with bitterness to the slurs, the gossip, the lack of love and concern from others. And our lives become so filled with resentment that we are miserable with others and within ourselves.

One person prayed:

"Lord,

Thou hast commanded me to forgive,

Seventy times seven.

I say I have forgiven,

Yet cannot forget the

slurs,
subtle hurts,
dislike,
displeasure,
barred ways,
contempt
shown me.
I have absorbed my wounds
until saturated
and unable to take another,
even though I know I must.
(I know they will not stop.)
Saturate me with Thy loving presence
That I may understand
as I would be understood;
treat as I would be treated,
love as I would be loved;
forgive as I would be forgiven.
Help me to be gracious as Thou art gracious."


The secret to forgiving others, loving them and being kind to them, in spite of themselves, is to first remember the extent to which God went in forgiving us. The Bible says that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus died so that God could forgive us our sins. Remember that, and receive His forgiveness. Secondly, as we remember how God forgave, and actively forgives us, we find it easy, indeed, we are eager to share His love by forgiving others. We would do well to follow the words of Jesus to the unfaithful wife: "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go and sin no more."



In Christian love,
Floyd McPhee
* webservant's note: original letter had no title