This month has been designated as a time to especially honor clergy. I for one have been so blessed by the teachings, the sense of family and the input that I have received from my pastors. I know that Jesus is the one that our eyes should be fixed on, but He has given us some godly men and women who have received insight from Him to pass along to the people He has given them to minister His love to.
One instance in my life where I received a very sound input from one of my pastors was when I was having a difficult time forgiving a friend who had betrayed my trust, and hurt me in the process. When I told my pastor what the situation was, I wanted him to agree with me that this friend was supposed to be made to realize how much they had hurt me and to ask for my forgiveness. However, my pastor used an illustration of a duck having water roll down its back to help me see that if this friend didn't want to see or admit what they had done to hurt me, I was to act like the duck and let the offense slide away without affecting my heart. In essence, I was to forgive this person.
It was a very difficult thing for me to do, but when I lined up my heart to do what God wanted, it got a little easier to do. My pastor had told me that the human heart doesn't run to forgiveness but to revenge so, I was to ask the Lord to come into my heart and love this person through me so I could forgive them. It took some time because I had to continue to make the choice to love this person every time I saw them. Eventually, I knew I had released them.
Wow!! What truth!! My friendship with this person stayed intact and we love each other and do things together as if there was never any friction in our relationship. It is stories like the one I just shared with you that make me appreciate my pastors and thank God immensely for the gift He has given them to guide us.
In Matthew 6:15 God says: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. This was a valuable lesson I learned during this session with my pastor.
You can show your appreciation for your pastor or clergy by giving them a gift. Please check out this audio book: The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren. It is a good resource for tips on growing the Church.
http://theupperroomstore.deepershopping.com/index.php?module=viewitem&item=1778
For your Christian books and other Christ centered items.
Thanks for reminding us of the value of forgiveness. Perhaps you could suggest some books on the topic.
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