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She Taught Me Something About Forgiveness
Ken Ebright
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15. (NCV)
Someone, who I will refer to as Gertrude, taught me something about forgiveness.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15. (NCV)
Someone, who I will refer to as Gertrude, taught me something about forgiveness.
At a young age, Gertrude was physically abused by her father.
When something so traumatic and horrible happens to a person, it stays with them for the rest of their life.
I know because the memories of my mom's alcoholism and suicide have remained with me.
Many years ago, I went over to Daryl's house and had a conversation with his wife on how I needed to forgive my mom.
Many years ago, I went over to Daryl's house and had a conversation with his wife on how I needed to forgive my mom.
Interestingly in the weeks to come, God led other people to tell me the same thing.
I believe Gertrude forgave her father, which empowered her to visit him in the rest home at Christmas these past few years.
I believe Gertrude forgave her father, which empowered her to visit him in the rest home at Christmas these past few years.
On the other hand, Gertrude's sister and brother refused to forgive their dad.
That, to me, is very sad.
In the verse I selected, the Lord is making it clear that we need to forgive other people.
In the verse I selected, the Lord is making it clear that we need to forgive other people.
I remember Daryl's wife telling me that I could ask the Lord to help me forgive my mom.
I don't know if Gertrude prayed for His help, but it is important to remember that God is always willing to help us keep His commands.
Forgiving others is often more valuable for us than it is for them.
Forgiving others is often more valuable for us than it is for them.
When I forgave my mom, she was already gone.
But in forgiving her, I was released from the hurt feelings that were stealing my peace.
Unforgiveness, left to fester in our hearts, can lead to anger, illness and depression.
When someone hurts us, it is better to forgive quickly and fully as Jesus has forgiven us.
When someone hurts us, it is better to forgive quickly and fully as Jesus has forgiven us.
If it seems too hard, ask the Lord for His certain help. You will be thankful you did.
Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Col 3:13 (NCV)
Who do you need to forgive today?
Contact Ken and read more from him HERE.
Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Col 3:13 (NCV)
Who do you need to forgive today?
Contact Ken and read more from him HERE.
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