As you may have noticed, it's been too long since I posted here. I wanted to wait until I had another Bible journaling piece to share. But I have haven't managed to do another one yet, and I was reminded today that I can post without one. After all, that's the way I did this blog for quite awhile. So, that is what I'll do - and when I do an artistic piece, you'll see that too.
There have been many things in the last several months that I wanted to journal about, and I realize now, how much I've missed by not posting about them even though I didn't have an artistic piece to go with the message. This morning I find my mind going back to one verse in particular. This particular verse made a real impression because I saw something in it that I'd never seen before. In fact, that new idea was presented on a main-stream talk show of all places in the last week! It made such an impression on me that I had to go look it up and spend some time pondering it.
It was a verse that spoke about forgiving others and is found in 2 Corinthians 2:7. Paul is speaking to the people of Corinth about someone who has caused an offense of some sort and tells them that they need to both forgive AND comfort him!
While I might not yet have a complete understanding, I've certainly understood the importance of forgiveness for some time - but that little one-word addition really made me stop & think. Not only are we to forgive those that harm us, but to comfort them as well?!!! What a thought! Isn't the injured party the one that needs the comfort? We're to comfort the one who caused the damage?
That's what it says, isn't it? As I think about it more, I can see a more mundane experience where I can fully understand this. For instance, if someone breaks something of mine, they may feel really badly about it. I may need to comfort them & tell them it's all right. I know I'll be much happier if I behave in this way rather than getting all upset about the loss of some material possession.
But I have a feeling that this idea is meant to go much farther than that. After all, I know if I accidentally broke something that belonged to someone else, I'd appreciate the forgiveness and comfort. But if I hurt someone's spirit or caused harm to a person in some way, I'd want that forgiveness & comfort even more!
I am reminded - "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matt 10:8) I am SO grateful for the forgiveness and comfort that God freely gives me!
Father, whom is it that I need to forgive and comfort today? May I be an open channel for you and your forgiving love to flow through to those I meet this day. Thank you, Father! Thank you for your forgiving love and your comfort. I know I don't deserve it, and too often I still even take it for granted. Father, I DO love and appreciate you. Your love is amazing and I choose to be a channel for that love to flow through. Thank you for the blessings I know this day will bring. You are an amazing God and I am SO grateful for your love - for your forgiveness and comfort. I love you, Father!
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.