Live life God's way for true abundance
Christ came so that we could have life and that much more abundantly (John 10:10)! God created life to be lived to the fullest, isn’t that awesome?!
The scriptures say, “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” As believers, we are called to be this type of “salt and light” in the world. This is so good! I really love life the way God does it, no other way even comes close. It’s so freeing to know that I don’t have to live in pain, or create an alternative lifestyle, but I can experience true life and peace!
However all of this love and peace can escape from us in one blow. How? Offense! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in a world were no one and nothing offended you? Offense is in the heart of every man, woman and child. So whether we like it or not, it is something we have to learn to deal with.
God’s way of dealing with offense is called forgiveness! His way means letting go and allowing God to heal, restore and rebuild what was taken or destroyed in us. The person who wronged you can never take back or undo the hurt they caused! As humans, our tendency is to want to take revenge. We would rather see someone pay for what they did to us. We can believe that payback will heal us, but the truth is, it doesn’t. We are still at a loss unless we can forgive and let go!
Living life God’s way means to let Him take care of it. I don’t really like the idea of forgiveness because I know God is merciful and kind and when someone has hurt me, mercy and kindness are the farthest things from my mind. However, forgiveness is not just for the offender, its also for us. It frees our hearts, minds, and bodies from bitterness so that we are no longer a prisoner to the offense. Forgiveness isn’t a feeling, it’s not excusing the offense, and it’s not forgetting. It is an act of faith; it means entrusting ourselves to God, knowing that He will take care of us and the offender. Being free to inhale and exhale without pain or bitterness, and being able to love God and others is part of the abundant life that Jesus was talking about.
Pastor Wes and Sigi Ribeiro pastor at Sandpoint Christian Center.