Do you understand why the families of those murdered in Charleston extended forgiveness to the murderer?

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Do you understand why the families of those murdered in Charleston extended forgiveness to the murderer?

Jesus predicted that His kingdom would stand forever.  This was mentioned in the worship service in Charleston on Sunday.  But Jesus also said that people would kill them and claim to be doing it for some noble cause.  This is what a murderer claimed as he entered a Bible study and was welcomed and then killed nine people.

These people murder because they are following the devil who is a murderer and a liar.

Jesus ascended to heaven and sent His Spirit to fill His people.  This Spirit convicts people to forgive others so that they can also be forgiven as is given in the model prayer. “Father forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

Life here on earth is short.  When we leave if we live in forgiveness and mercy we will see Jesus over there in paradise.  That is our ultimate hope.

Some people who are followers of Jesus have a hard time accepting some teachings such as this.  It may be that later we might understand this and know its importance.  The Holy Spirit teaches truth that the student can handle.  “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.” Is saying  used widely by people all over the world.

John 16.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;

The Holy Spirit has given words that remind all followers that the way includes suffering and persecution.  Jesus never hid this reality.

The Holy Spirit makes Jesus way look good to us.  It includes suffering, but all paths include suffering.  We will be hurt.  We can wallow in it and absorb it in a toxic way, or we can obey Jesus and forgive and move forward. Jesus way is best.

As death approaches for any human there is suffering at some level.  Beyond this “birth pain” or “labor pain” there is a life of being with Jesus and other people of faith.  Beyond the pain is the joy.  One of the joys of being connected to Jesus through the Spirit is the promise of Father listening to and responding to our prayers. Father responds to us with a peace that passes understanding when we pray for our enemies.

Jesus was sent by the Father down into our world and He returns to heaven at His death and ascension.  He will return to pick up His brothers and sisters.

Suffering cannot and should not be minimized.  The ugly picture of the cross is spread out before us in the life of Jesus.  At some time we will be ready to know and handle and experience this suffering and death reality of human life.

Those families in Charleston had heard the teachings of the Lord’s Prayer. “Father forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

John 16.
Larry Wishard

Comments

Orah Blank said…
Thanks Larry for your beautiful thoughts. ORAH
10:18 AM
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