Beech Tree News Network

Forgiveness sounds sweet, doesn’t it?!  Especially when someone offers it to us when we have hurt them, and they are gracious enough to dismiss it from their lives. Some people, however, like to receive the apologies of others, but they struggle to give forgiveness to others.  In fact, they withhold forgiveness, and guess who it hurts the most?  Them. 

       Look at the example of Jesus who was willing to forgive. In Luke 23:33-34 we read, “And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “‘Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do…..’”.  Jesus could forgive those who murdered Him, but we can’t forgive when someone offends us??

        When people get offended by someone they love to tell others to get them on their side. Is that right??  No way. Matthew 18:15-17 shows a process to be followed, God’s way. If we are offended by someone it is our place to go directly to that person.  Not on the phone. Not public at all.  Matthew 18:15 claims, “Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. “. We owe our brethren one on one privacy. Tell your brother not the community. Talk to your brother. 

      Preachers, I know since I am one, can sometimes offend because we speak a lot and may say something in a way that could offend.  If one is hurt by comments, he or she could go to the preacher to express it. Then the preacher can humbly seek to make it right.  Brethren, forgiveness is sweet.   In Him, Kenny

Please join us in Bible Study Sunday. 10 am. Worship 11 am. 8141 Brownsville Rd. Morgantown, Ky.  7 miles from Roundhill.   Have a great day!