December 15, 2019
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today is from the book of Colossians.3:13 “Bearing with one another, and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, So you must also forgive.”
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, from the above context we understand that it is highly important to forgive others as we have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. With the grace and mercy shown to us we are always, able to start new life with God. When we repent of our sins, we are given full forgiveness of our sins because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God commands that in return we need to forgive others and extend grace as we have been shown grace. Forgiving others may be one of the hardest things we face in life. The pain and hurt that others have caused us in our life is simply great and beyond expression. But when we forgive others we are not saying what others did was ok, but we are releasing them to God, and letting go of it’s hold on us. May God therefore help us to forgive others and set right our relationship with God.
My Dear brothers and Sisters, We see in the Bible, how Jesus forgave a woman taken in adultery. A group of scribes confronted Jesus, in order to interrupt His teaching session in the temple. They brought in a woman accusing her of committing adultery. Claiming that she was caught in the very act. They wanted to stone her to death as a punishment for her wrong behaviour. At first Jesus ignored their interruption and wrote on the ground, as though He did not hear them.
But when the accusers continued their challenge he quietly stated that the one who had not committed any sin should cast the first stone at her. Then the accusers and congregants departed realising that none of them were without sin, leaving behind Jesus alone with the woman. So Jesus asked the woman if anyone had condemned her. She said to Him “No one Lord.” Then Jesus said to her, ”Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” This is how Jesus forgave the woman.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, What about you, have you forgiven your foes ? Has anyone damaged your good spirit? You were kind and helpful to others, but those whom you trusted have cheated you. They might have spoken wrongly about you. Forgive them. God will be pleased with you. I see in my spirit some sisters suffering in your parent’s house just because your husband has deserted you. You think that your parents have spent so much to get you married but now you are struck with grief and sorrow and loneliness. God is aware of your hardships. Try to forgive your husband and if he comes accept him. Receive him and try to rebuild your family life. God will forgive you of your errors.
My Dear Brothers, have you despised your wives just because she is not too fair or is not so good looking ? Has she committed any mistakes? Does she listen to her parents and insults you because you are earning less than her ? Is she often leaving you alone and going to be with her parents? Kindly forgive her of her wrong deeds. Please forgive your wife, accept her. Start a new life, especially during this Christmas season. Give her another opportunity to live her life.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, This is a season of forgiveness. Have no foes. Never hold any grudge against anyone. When you forgive others God will help you live a joyous and content life. God bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Thank You Lord for teaching us to forgive others of their wrong deeds. Help us not to have any grudge against others. Help us to remain friendly with others and forgive our foes if any. May we be affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
