Forgiveness and Prayer
Have you heard someone say, “I will never forgive you for this”? Perhaps you have said it yourself? Offering forgiveness is a big deal for most of us. Hurt feelings are real, painful, and can be life changing. As we navigate this thing called life, bumps and bruises are normal. However, for the most part they are not consequential. It is not too hard to be magnanimous regarding the many small indiscretions we suffer. But every once in a while we experience a crushing blow that leaves us gasping. Now offering forgiveness is a lot more difficult. In fact, it can even feel wrong. “That person doesn’t deserve my forgiveness” is often our emotional response.
The problem with this is that withholding forgiveness has absolutely no effect upon the perpetrator. You are not punishing the wrongdoer, but instead inflicting more pain upon yourself. Like the old saying, “choosing unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies”. Unforgiveness is poison. Simply put, when we choose not to forgive, we are twice wronged; once by the injustice suffered and then again by the poison of bitterness as we hold on to the hurt.
Forgiving is important in prayer
Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive the debts of others.” This concept in prayer is part of the introspection we need in order to keep ourselves from being ruined by bitterness. Just like we need God to forgive our debts, we need to forgive the debts of others towards us. This is so serious that Jesus said it again to emphasize his point. Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Forgiving someone is not condoning or trivializing the offense, it simply means you are not going to hold them to account for it. When we choose to forgive we open a pathway for God to come and bring healing to those hurt areas. We will not be stuck there anymore. We will have our creative minds open again. We will be able to love, trust and hope again. And most importantly, there will be no blockage to our prayers being answered.
This Sunday I will be continuing my sermon series on the discipline of prayer. My theme will be on the most important part of model prayer in which we pray for forgiveness and give forgiveness to others.
Communion
This Sunday we will be coming to the Lord`s table. It is a time for all of us to share the emblems we have chosen to represent the body and blood of our Lord. We do this in response to the teaching of our Lord, as he taught; we are to do this often. It is a time of reconnecting with Jesus and each other as we share God`s grace together.
The Renovation Bill is getting smaller
We want to thank all those who responded to the call for prayer and financial assistance to meet the last big outstanding bill on the renovation project for S.H.A.R.E. Since we have included this in our blog, many have responded. Last week we received, 400 dollars. If you feel the tug of God to respond, (any amount is appreciated) and are feeling led to give a special offering towards this, you can do it by interac, cheque, or by visiting our website. I know that moving S.H.A.R.E. to our building was the right thing to do. Please help us to get this cleared up, so we can continue to help the poor and give towards Our Daily Bread.
Resurrection Sunday
On Resurrection Sunday, we will have three wonderful events you can take part in. First, enjoy the Easter morning with the Christians from many different churches at 8 am at Lakeside Park. Then come on down to KCF for Brunch at 8:45 am. Finally we will celebrate the resurrection together at 10:30 am. What a great morning it will be. Each of the events is open to the community and everyone is encouraged to bring family and friends.
Family Camp at Dutch Harbour
Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for family camp this year. This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happened within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Glen Forsberg will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids. Join us July 3 to 7. Contact the office to register or visit kootenaychristianfellowship.com.
PART (Pedal Along a Rail Trail) 12
This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, June 24. Come and join us for this incredibly scenic 4 to 5 hour ride with trestles, tunnels and spectacular views from high above the Arrow Lake. It is a 54 km ride starting at Paulson Detour Road and concluding at the Celgar Mill parking lot. This is a fundraiser for Our Daily Bread. With sponsorships of $200 or more, your entry fee will be waived. Registration forms are available at the Guest Table on Sunday, at the office during the week or at kootenaychristianfellowship.com. Register now and start accumulating sponsorships!
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
April 6, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5