Jeff, the interns and I arrived home this morning.
We took some time out to play in the snow yesterday. I was blessed to ride Jeff's sled (snowmobile), for the first time. Yeah, the one with nitrous! I doubt if there was any left when I got on but it sure was fun! It took the hills with more guts than my sled.
Looks like there is more than one sled in the Knight household that will need to be worked on in the off-season.
The final area we studied was developing a forgiving attitude: overcoming bitterness. The opening scripture was found in Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." There is no limit to how many times we are to forgive one another (Matt. 18:21, 22 and Luke 17: 3,4).
Here are a few evidences of the root of bitterness:
1. Sad or sorrowful countenance.
2. Sarcastic, critical talk.
3. Critical spirit.
4. Fatigue, loss of sleep and tiredness
5. Inability to trust others and God.
It is amazing to me that God gives us the ability to love our enemies. I have to share with you Matthew 5:43-45, "You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven..." I pray this scripture daily because it makes me excited! If God puts this in His word, I know He has already made a way to carry it out.
Here are some steps to overcome bitterness:
1. Fully forgive those who have offended you (so your Father in heaven may forgive you). As you forgive, give them to God and begin to pray for them. God will begin to cause love to grow for them.
2. Ask forgiveness of God. Ask it of others only if God leads you to.
3. Recognize that offenses are inevitable and be prepared to respond in a godly way.
4. Pray honestly.
5. Understand God's grace is for you.
Join me in praying for powerful and impacting services all over the world and in Monroe tomorrow!
3 comments:
Melinda,
Zach came back a changed young man. He couldn't stop talking about the retreat and the life changing teachings he heard and experienced. I'm so grateful for You and Jeff for your dedication to the youth of our church and Vision for the future. When does the over 40 Quarry start? I'm in!!!!
Dave
Pastor Mel,
Thank you for your insight on bitterness. I have often said that I don't want to become an old bitter woman. With your five points, I can identify with each of them. With hurts from friends, I have come to realize that the hurt that I harbor results in bitterness. So I close up and don't want to allow anyone to get close for fear of getting hurt again. But then I see point # 5: the inability to trust others and God. So once again I am reminded of my words " I don't want to become an old bitter woman." Thank you for those reminders, that I might live by my words!
Pastor Melinda, just wanted to let you know that the extra effort you and Jeff gave to bring back Zach from the retreat did not go without a tremendous blessing on my Grandmothers memorial. You and Jeff touch peoples lives even in the little things that you do. We went to proclaim my Grandmothers life and how she loved the Lord with her heart and soul. She wanted us to preach the gospel there and that is what we did!Praise God we had people stand up and leave because we were bold on who Christ our Savior is, but most of all PRAISE God that 7 people raised their hands to either accept Christ or renew there lives to Christ. Even in death Christ is glorified! Zach was a huge part of this "It is well with my soul"How appropriate! Thank you again for the strength that you are instilling in our Son and his future!
Diane Trandum
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