What I learned in Church today

I feel lead to post this blog. I believe GOD want to speak to someone through it. So here we go....

today's topic was forgiveness.

we learned three action steps we need to take in regards to forgiveness.

first step: suffering. this is the hardest step. because usually we try to push the suffering down. but we must let it out. for only when we let it out can we deal with it. only as we allow ourselves to feel the pain can we pin point exactly what we are forgiving. it also reveals our need for healing..which begins with revealing the pain that someones wrong has caused us.

second step: surgery. this step is about removing the bitterness and pain that the wrong doer has caused us. this step is about removing that which will keep us in our silent suffering. this is done as we look at the wrong done, and without belittling the wrong done or excusing the wrong doer. we choose to forgive them for the sin they have done. this is done first in the presence of GOD. then if needed the forgiveness can be extended to the offender. forgiving someone does not meen you have to stay in an abusive or harmful situation where more harm can be done. Forgiveness does not remove all the consequences of the wrong doers actions. Forgiveness means that you have chosen to punish them no more for thier offence. it means you release the bitterness you have toward them. it means you change from wanting them dead to hoping that they will better thier lives. forgiveness is about moving from praying they are punished to praying they will experience healing themselves.

third step. starting over. this step allow for forgivness to reach it's completed state. as unforgiveness and bitterness flee through the act of forgiveness. One finds that the suffering also begins leave. and healing begins. during this step we now fill the place in us where the pain and resentment was with love and concern. we fill ourselves up with GOD'S love and a purpose for the future. we move from hurting to starting over. we go from hurting to holding the hurting.

one last thing..this is the part I really felt GOD wanted me to write. In the bible their is a passage where the writer is instructing a church about forgiving someone within their church that had done some wrong. the passgae says this.

"you need to forgive him, and comfort him, otherwise he will be swallowed up with excessive sorrow"

I feel that someone is going to read this blog who is very sorrowfull for some wrongs they have done. you feel like you are being swallowed up. you feel your swallow is eating you alive inside and you are struggling to make a change. I believe GOD wants me to tell you

that he forgive you.

You are forgiven, pardoned, released.

GOD forgives you.

GOD wants you to just rest in his arms for a while. so go to him. and find rest and healing.

I love you all.

a servant of JESUS CHRIST,
Joe W Hartsell Jr