8.9-Thoughts about the mass shooting that has killed 20 people so far in El Paso, Texas.

8.9-

Thoughts about the mass shooting that has killed 20 people so far in El Paso, Texas.

Sin paralyzes us. Jesus forgave a man before He restored his movement.
He gives this line in the Lord’s prayer, “Father forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

He knows that all of us would need forgiveness and need to extend it to others.

The family of the people who were killed in the Charlotte church shooting said that without forgiving their killer they could not move forward with their own walk with God.

Jesus told the story about a man who owed millions of dollars and was forgiven this gigantic debt. Then he left this meeting and went out to choke a guy who owed him a few dollars and demanded payment.
The man who had forgiven the million dollars said this man must be now be thrown back in jail until he payed back all he owed.

According to Jesus here is the punch line of this story.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from the heart.” (Matthew 18.35)

Without forgiveness one wrong can be followed by another wrong. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

Jesus on the cross broke the chain for all eternity. He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” When Jesus died on the cross He said, “It is finished.” The chain is broken. Our sin debt is paid off. If we turn to God seek forgiveness it is available.

The killing of the twenty people in El Paso yesterday is a great evil. It is horribly sad for all. It is not a moment to score some political points. It is a moment to turn to God. Our country needs to turn to God.

The authorities have captured him and will deal with the justice for his crime.

From the perspective of the way we should look at those who sin against us how should we react? Forgive as you have been forgiven.

Larry Wishard
8.4.19