Hi how are you all? I am good and have had a good week. This post is going to be a little selfish but only because God requires it in this circumstance. I am talking about forgiveness. We need to be selfish in asking for forgiveness from God. We need to come to Him and let it be all about us and how we are sorry for what we did.
But did you know God forgiving you opens up doors for others to get their forgiveness? Let me show you what I mean by looking in a book in the Bible that is sometimes not read much. It is the book of Leviticus.
In Leviticus 16, we find the ceremonies in relation to the high priest going into the Holy of Holies once a year to put the blood of animals on the mercy seat to atone for the unknown sins of the whole community. What is interesting is that in verse 11 of that chapter, he must atone (seek forgiveness) for his sins first and then his own family’s sin to make them right before God. In verse 15, after he has done verse 11, then he must atone for the sins of the community to make the people right before God.
I find it interesting that he has to seek forgiveness for himself first before forgiveness for others is offered up. As I was pondering this, God spoke to me and said “my forgiveness for you opens the door for forgiveness for others”.
This is Old Testament you might say and doesn’t apply to us. I would beg to differ. In Matthew 6:14 -15, it states that we will only be forgiven by God as much as we forgive others. God doesn’t make it hard for us to receive His forgiveness but He knows that if we don’t forgive others, we are continuing to carry a burden that Jesus died on the cross for.
We must remember what God has forgiven us for. All those times we were angry, judgemental, impatient, unloving etc. By remembering the forgiveness bestowed on us, it should be easy to forgive others.
So, this week, if you need to, seek forgiveness from God. That will open your heart to allow others to see the forgiveness of God and bring them to Jesus and in turn, that brings the community one by one. Be selfish in this area and make sure that you are right with God.
If you don’t know Jesus, read and say the prayer under “Want to know Jesus” and let me know. You are all blessed by God immensely.
Have a great week and keep living the life God intended for you.
Bless you heaps
Karen
Living the life God intended 