18. Ask for or gracefully receive a request for forgiveness
Romans 12:1 NIV “Love must be sincere.”
I shared a sermon at ABC church, in Arcadia, Indiana. The power of evangelism is driven by the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit requires you to both forgive others and forgive yourself. You can’t successfully share Christ unless you feel the positive impact of forgiveness in your own life.
Recently, when speaking at this church I went off my sermon notes and shared something truly painful in my life—a grudge that I held for 25 years, involving a large amount of money, a friendship, mutual respect, and my big fat ego. It involved several men, whose careers I helped build and support. What happened felt like a true betrayal. I finally got it right and sought forgiveness. What followed was the reestablishment of a friendship, freedom from living in the past, and the ability to push my problems to the Lord’s side of the table.
So, I say, go ahead and take a bite of that old crow! We have all been betrayed, but not truly betrayed…right? Consider Jesus on the Cross. Romans 12:9-21 NIV indicated the man God wanted me to become. Love in Action!
9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”