2020 Daily Devotion - Day 213
Many years ago, I listened to a sermon by the late Dr. Oral Roberts. He had a television broadcast built around the Christian University he had founded. On this day, Dr. Roberts told a story I will never forget.
He told of a man who was in the hospital for a problem that wasn’t usually considered a major problem. The problem was, the doctors’ normal procedures and approach were not working. The man remained ill for weeks. The doctors tried several different medications and treatments, and they were baffled as to why he wasn’t getting any better. Then, one day, one of the doctors told him they couldn’t figure out why he continued to be sick. This is when the man said, “Well I know why.” The doctor then inquired with the man, asking him to share what he thought was the reason. “It’s in that book,” the man said, pointing to a book on the table next to his bed. The doctor asked for clarification. Then the sick man said, “In that book is written everything anyone has ever done to hurt me. I have kept a record all of my life. That is what is in the book, and that is why I am sick.”
Well, the man was probably correct. When we keep a file of all the times we have been hurt and wounded, over time, we will grow bitter and mean spirited. It can affect all areas of our lives and probably even our health. This is what the Apostle Paul is speaking about in this passage:
Colossians 3:13 ESV
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
So, who do you need to forgive today?
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You have created us with the ability to forgive, but too often we refuse to use it. Instead, because of our broken condition, we hold on to the pain others have brought. In the long run, we are the ones who are hurt and damaged. Through Your grace, help us to give the forgiveness we have received from You, through Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
He told of a man who was in the hospital for a problem that wasn’t usually considered a major problem. The problem was, the doctors’ normal procedures and approach were not working. The man remained ill for weeks. The doctors tried several different medications and treatments, and they were baffled as to why he wasn’t getting any better. Then, one day, one of the doctors told him they couldn’t figure out why he continued to be sick. This is when the man said, “Well I know why.” The doctor then inquired with the man, asking him to share what he thought was the reason. “It’s in that book,” the man said, pointing to a book on the table next to his bed. The doctor asked for clarification. Then the sick man said, “In that book is written everything anyone has ever done to hurt me. I have kept a record all of my life. That is what is in the book, and that is why I am sick.”
Well, the man was probably correct. When we keep a file of all the times we have been hurt and wounded, over time, we will grow bitter and mean spirited. It can affect all areas of our lives and probably even our health. This is what the Apostle Paul is speaking about in this passage:
Colossians 3:13 ESV
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
So, who do you need to forgive today?
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You have created us with the ability to forgive, but too often we refuse to use it. Instead, because of our broken condition, we hold on to the pain others have brought. In the long run, we are the ones who are hurt and damaged. Through Your grace, help us to give the forgiveness we have received from You, through Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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