Friday, July 15, 2022

Reflection - Journeying With Others - The art of forgiveness

Source (book): "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", PART III "JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS", Chapter 24 "The art of forgiveness", Page 70.
Adapted from books by Shelly Beach: Ambushed By Grace: Help and Hope in the Caregiving Journey, and It Is Well with My Soul.


Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
PHOTO: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32

In Ephesians 4:22-32, Paul describes what it means to live a Christ-like life as a child of God. We are to "put off" our old selves, which have been put to death with Christ's sacrifice, and "put on" our new selves. This idea applies to the art of forgiveness.

Verses 31 to 32 lay out the steps to forgiveness: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

What does this mean in practical terms? It means avoiding talk that fuels bitterness and resisting the temptation to harbour thoughts of revenge. For example, we need to stop criticising siblings who are unwilling to help care for Mom, or thinking about how we can do less for Dad because he has not been grateful for our caregiving so far. In their place, we are to find kindness and gentleness. We are to forgive each other as Christ has forgiven us.

Ultimately, forgiveness means having to examine and control our own actions and character. It means learning to lay down our martyrdom  (a display of pretended or exaggerated suffering to obtain sympathy), bitterness and anger at the foot of the cross, so that we can don our new clothes from Christ - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Consider the roots of forgiveness:

Compassion, which comes from knowing who we are - heirs with Christ - and not from judging how others treat or regard us. As we forgive, we take on God's perspective and character. Our hearts will then be stirred by concern for others as we begin to view them through the eyes of Jesus.

Kindness in the way we treat everyone - and not because we like them. As we do so, we will find ourselves liking others more. We will start to perform acts of kindness with joy, motivated by the desire to serve out of love and glorify God.

Humility, which comes from time spent in prayer and service to others. When we are humble, we will be content to let God be responsible for changing others, and not try to force change ourselves. We will give out of the abundance of what God has given us, not simply because He requires us to.

Gentleness in our tone, as we communicate affirmation through our body language and attitude.

Patience, as we learn to truly listen and give of ourselves, even when it's painful and costs us something.

Love, because we see ourselves standing among the worst of sinners at the foot of the cross, in need of the same forgiveness. Only then will we be able to pour out our love freely, expecting nothing in return.

Forgiveness is a transformation as well as an action.

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Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32


Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
PHOTO: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32
PHOTO: In Ephesians 4:22-32, Paul describes what it means to live a Christ-like life as a child of God. We are to "put off" our old selves, which have been put to death with Christ's sacrifice, and "put on" our new selves. This idea applies to the art of forgiveness.
Artwork by James Taylor (concept art and creative advertising firm) - Human Metaformosis
https://hiddenmannapage.com/questions-and-answers-about-faith-without-action-8183597d9ece
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-key-lessons-learned-from-2.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/08/reflection-how-to-consecrate-our.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-hark-herald-angels-sing.html



Verses 31 to 32 lay out the steps to forgiveness: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."


Verses 31 to 32 lay out the steps to forgiveness
PHOTO: Verses 31 to 32 lay out the steps to forgiveness: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Picture posted by Peakpix
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What does this mean in practical terms? It means avoiding talk that fuels bitterness and resisting the temptation to harbour thoughts of revenge. For example, we need to stop criticising siblings who are unwilling to help care for Mom, or thinking about how we can do less for Dad because he has not been grateful for our caregiving so far. In their place, we are to find kindness and gentleness. We are to forgive each other as Christ has forgiven us.


Avoiding talk that fuels bitterness and resisting the temptation to harbour thoughts of revenge.
PHOTO: Avoiding talk that fuels bitterness and resisting the temptation to harbour thoughts of revenge. For example, we need to stop criticising siblings who are unwilling to help care for Mom, or thinking about how we can do less for Dad because he has not been grateful for our caregiving so far. In their place, we are to find kindness and gentleness. We are to forgive each other as Christ has forgiven us.
Picture posted by Beth Vogt

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme7G9K6wRSArrBHeslCjreLW7EiQq-UXTCqQi_tFKJ9OToeRSDu7ESlAbW0n-0S3_vGzHdM7_AZFEzrdsvAihVVuyhXA8fcnpUhBF0GRxUE2B5Fjn41COT_muBJg3q27WNWrptaK8nfrroAkuYHsYmpC7wKd6lNhHlTKZ7Db5sGRNE7AzwGJpyVHE/s629/Root-of-Bitterness-2015.jpg
https://bethvogt.com/bvogt2018/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Root-of-Bitterness-2015.jpg
https://bethvogt.com/in-others-words-the-temptation-of-bitterness/



Ultimately, forgiveness means having to examine and control our own actions and character. It means learning to lay down our martyrdom  (a display of pretended or exaggerated suffering to obtain sympathy), bitterness and anger at the foot of the cross, so that we can don our new clothes from Christ - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Consider the roots of forgiveness:
 

Ultimately, forgiveness means having to examine and control our own actions and character.
Ultimately, forgiveness means having to examine and control our own actions and character.
PHOTO: Ultimately, forgiveness means having to examine and control our own actions and character. It means learning to lay down our martyrdom (a display of pretended or exaggerated suffering to obtain sympathy), bitterness and anger at the foot of the cross, so that we can don our new clothes from Christ - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/07/on-turning-60-and-starting-afresh.html



Compassion, which comes from knowing who we are - heirs with Christ - and not from judging how others treat or regard us. As we forgive, we take on God's perspective and character. Our hearts will then be stirred by concern for others as we begin to view them through the eyes of Jesus.


Compassion, which comes from knowing who we are - heirs with Christ - and not from judging how others treat or regard us.
PHOTO: Compassion, which comes from knowing who we are - heirs with Christ - and not from judging how others treat or regard us. As we forgive, we take on God's perspective and character. Our hearts will then be stirred by concern for others as we begin to view them through the eyes of Jesus.
Picture posted by Elevate|Church

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Kindness in the way we treat everyone - and not because we like them. As we do so, we will find ourselves liking others more. We will start to perform acts of kindness with joy, motivated by the desire to serve out of love and glorify God.


Kindness in the way we treat everyone - and not because we like them.
PHOTO: Kindness in the way we treat everyone - and not because we like them. As we do so, we will find ourselves liking others more. We will start to perform acts of kindness with joy, motivated by the desire to serve out of love and glorify God.
Picture posted by IBX Insights - Independence Blue Cross

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https://insights.ibx.com/why-kindness-matters/



Humility, which comes from time spent in prayer and service to others. When we are humble, we will be content to let God be responsible for changing others, and not try to force change ourselves. We will give out of the abundance of what God has given us, not simply because He requires us to.


Humility, which comes from time spent in prayer and service to others.
PHOTO: Humility, which comes from time spent in prayer and service to others. When we are humble, we will be content to let God be responsible for changing others, and not try to force change ourselves. We will give out of the abundance of what God has given us, not simply because He requires us to.
Picture posted by tistory.com

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https://t1.daumcdn.net/cfile/tistory/997D36395DD7209C1D?original
https://jin2nul2.tistory.com/5603



Gentleness in our tone, as we communicate affirmation through our body language and attitude.


Gentleness in our tone, as we communicate affirmation through our body language and attitude.
PHOTO: Gentleness in our tone, as we communicate affirmation through our body language and attitude.
Artwork by Nathan Greene - The Healer
Picture posted by gloria rodriguez@grrhodriguez on 08 April 2020 at 07:11 am

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Patience, as we learn to truly listen and give of ourselves, even when it's painful and costs us something.


Patience, as we learn to truly listen and give of ourselves, even when it's painful and costs us something.
PHOTO: Patience, as we learn to truly listen and give of ourselves, even when it's painful and costs us something.
Artwork by Nathan Greene - Jesus & Nurse
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Love, because we see ourselves standing among the worst of sinners at the foot of the cross, in need of the same forgiveness. Only then will we be able to pour out our love freely, expecting nothing in return.


Love, because we see ourselves standing among the worst of sinners at the foot of the cross, in need of the same forgiveness.
PHOTO: Love, because we see ourselves standing among the worst of sinners at the foot of the cross, in need of the same forgiveness. Only then will we be able to pour out our love freely, expecting nothing in return.
Picture posted by  Allan R. Bevere at 01:00 am

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http://www.allanbevere.com/2021/11/scriptures-and-prayer-for-wednesday-in.html



Forgiveness is a transformation as well as an action.


Forgiveness is a transformation as well as an action.
PHOTO: "Dear Father, thank You for showing me the roots of forgiveness. Help me to humbly remember that I cannot forgive out of my own strength; I need Your divine transformation of my self, my character, and my life, so that I can learn to practise the same mercy and forgiveness that You have shown me.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Picture posted by Luis Castro - His Merciful Heart
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Reflection - Journeying With Others - The art of forgiveness
Source (book): "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", PART III "JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS", Chapter 24 "The art of forgiveness", Page 70.
Adapted from books by Shelly Beach: Ambushed By Grace: Help and Hope in the Caregiving Journey, and It Is Well with My Soul.




"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 


Reference
[1] From "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", Copyright © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, PART III "JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS", Chapter 24 "The art of forgiveness", Page 70-71.


Links


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