Forgiving Our Enemies

Loving in an Age of Hate

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Seeing the news of yet another school shooting it is sadly clear that we are a long way from God’s plan for our lives. Some of us are overwhelmed with sadness, some are understandably angry and a few simply move on with a fatalistic shrug. But what should we do? How does God intend for us to face hatred? Jesus never says to hide from evil, or pretend it isn’t a reality. Instead He gives us a bold and revolutionary command.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 
Matthew 5:44 ESV

How in the world should we be expected to pray for these kinds of people? But, crazy as it sounds, in the midst of tragedy, there is nothing better than prayer. Prayer reaches the heart of God and brings His comfort down. Prayer helps us to remember that just as Jesus slept in the storm, God, with all of His resources is still with us in the center of chaos. Though all of our enemies may not be changed by our prayers for forgiveness, there will always be a Paul for every Steven and a centurion at the foot of every cross who will be touched. We need to remember in the midst or our indignation and sorrow that when we far from God and enemies of the faith, Christ died for us. What reason can we give to refuse His grace to others. I end today’s post with a song I wrote a few years back and recorded with a couple of the young people from our church. I pray that the words may bring comfort and hope to your hearts as you walk with the Lord Jesus through this dark time. He gives us hope and the ability to love others even in this valley and gives us the assurance that our Father’s home awaits us where we will live with Him forever!

So Much More

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So Much More!

Much more was the grace
 That cried Father forgive
On that long ago dark afternoon
When with His last strength our Lord Jesus cried out
These people know not what they do

First was Judas who sold His Lord out
And there was Pilate who bowed to the crowd
And Herod who mocked Him and had him bound
And the High Priests who rejected His word

And the throng who were shouting “Crucify Him!”
Then the soldiers who nailed Him hard to the wood
And one thief who still refused to believe
And the one whose spear drew His last blood

These all were His enemies much more forgiven
But there is one more I finally found 
That guy was the man who ran from God’s love
Till His grace so much more tracked me down!

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10 ESV

So Much More by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2021 all rights reserved

Father Forgive

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And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.   Luke 23:34 KJV

 

Whenever the president goes about nominating anyone for service in the government he makes up what people often refer to as a short list of names. These are the most qualified, smartest and powerful folks available. Add to those qualities the need of their having no embarrassing past, no criminal record or financial entanglements. Only after the best of the best have been narrowed down is the final the choice made. The good news for us is that God works in a different manner. His short list of candidates included corrupt politicians like Pilate; condemned criminals like the thieves being crucified with him and even a disciple named Peter who had denied him three times. Our greatest hope in the promise of Easter is in the forgiveness of sins that Jesus offers. We are as far from God as the soldiers who nailed His hands to the cross and Jesus reaches out to all of us in His prayer.

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Do you feel far from God’s plans for your life? Do you feel hopelessly tangled in a lifestyle that is leading you away from Him? The best news in the universe is; even if you had been one of those who gathered the thorns that were plaited into His crown, He would still want you as His child!