Promises for the Battle
Bitterness
Forgiveness #7—Saving Forgiveness
Be on your guard so you don’t destroy faith! If other followers of Christ sin against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. And if one of them sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, “I repent,” forgive each one of them. Luke 17:3–4 We have … Continue reading
Forgiveness #5—Trusting Example
Christ left you an example to follow. … When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21–23 Few people have been wronged worse than Jesus. Few have got a raw deal as bad as his. Few … Continue reading
Forgiveness #4—Heavenly Warning
My heavenly Father will make every one of you pay your debts to him if you do not forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart. Matthew 18:35 The old saying goes, “You always hurt the one you love.” Scripture consistently confirms this truth. As God establishes the Israelite community he commands: “You shall not … Continue reading
Forgiveness #3—A Bigger Picture
You meant harm against me; God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. Genesis 50:19–21 Joseph’s ability to see beyond the immediate cause of his misadventures years before, enabled him … Continue reading
Forgiveness #2—Prophylactic Grace
Put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, being gracious to one another, just as God in Christ also was gracious to you. Ephesians 4:31–32 While the first thing we see in this text is a command, if we look closely, we can … Continue reading
Forgiveness #1—Sweet Hearts
When we carry a bitter spirit in our hearts we are guilty of unbelief. Being bitter means we do not believe God can or will adequately dispense justice in the world. So we harbor an unforgiving spirit; we angrily and continually view our adversaries as enemies. This bitterness eventually obliterates our joy and poisons everyone … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 