Musings on God’s Word

I read an article recently that spoke to me about one of the issues that strikes us all as human beings. The issue is forgiving or forgiveness.

Ernest Hemingway tells a tale about a Spanish father who longs to reunite with his estranged son. He places an ad in a local newspaper. “PACO, MEET ME AT HOTEL MONTANA AT NOON TUESDAY. ALL IS FORGIVEN.”

When the father arrives, he finds a crowd waiting. Eight hundred (800) Pacos had responded to his advertisement longing to be forgiven by their fathers. 

The Bible tells a story about a similar situation regarding a Father and Son. You all know the story of the prodigal son, and in verse 24 of Luke 15 we read ‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’…………………..

Here is the picture of so many relationships in life.

• Broken homes
• Broken marriages
• Broken friendships

In many cases needing forgiveness from one to another. Forgiveness is much like a gift. It can be offered but it must be accepted to truly accomplish what is intended. 

Forgiveness also looks like outstretched arms ready to receive that gift and to act upon it. Mending broken relationships is so very important and more so in the life of a Christian. Humans have a tendency to act first and think after. This is often the cause of broken relationships and hostilities between one another.

Forgiveness is the key element of our Christian Faith. It starts with the forgiveness God offers through his Son Jesus. Forgiveness of sins for which we only need to ask. 

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us.

Forgiveness is a two way street. We either give or receive forgiveness therefore it works both ways. If you’ve reached the age of 60s, 70s or 80s I’m sure like me there have been numerous times forgiveness was needed. 

Forgiveness starts with our relationship with God and Jesus. 

The example of Christ’s forgiveness to us is the example upon which we should be ready and willing to forgive others when they fail. There is also a warning regarding how we handle and deliver forgiveness.

Christ offers his forgiveness and peace. All we need do is ask. God Bless you all as you fight the battles of life as a Christian.