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 Early in the morning I came to Jesus. I told him “Jesus, it's me again. Forgive me for bothering you so much, but this problem is killing me. I had a terrible row with him them today--again. Sometimes I really despise them. Of course, as you know, being a good Christian, I didn't tell them. I have been preaching in the church, and I have to be careful of my image. . . Then Jesus said to me “I saw your heart, and it was one big spiritual aneurysm. It was only my grace that kept it from blowing bits of poison through your rotten system.” Then I told my Jesus “O Lord Jesus, how can you say that? Why, he started the whole thing. He always does, talking ill of me and spreading malicious rumours. Why does he do that?”
Jesus continued: But for my grace and pardon, you would be doing all manner of unrighteousness. And you certainly didn't win any celestial points with your outburst. If you would just keep quiet you'd stay out of a lot of trouble. "The silence of pure innocence persuades when speaking fails." Only you aren't pure innocence. I kept quiet and Jesus continued “Did all that yelling help? Remember when I stood before Pilate and said nothing? My disciple Matthew recorded that Pilate marveled greatly at that silence, because it's so human to defend ourselves. I didn't do a thing to deserve being hung on a cross. You're far from innocent, and when you are accused wrongfully you scream inwardly and outwardly. Shock them and say nothing. They will marvel at your silence, believe me. I told Jesus that I was sorry and then he continued “Yes, I believe you. Of course sorry has several connotations, but I'm Love and I'll accept it as true repentance. Now, let's see what we can do to help you better understand forgiveness. One very important thing, it's unconditional, absolutely no strings attached. Then I asked him “Do you mean that no matter what anyone says
or does, I'm supposed to drop it all as if it never happened? It is impossible”Jesus said: True, but that's without me. With me all things are possible,
and that includes a brand new heart of love, and a new mind, too… my mind. My friend Paul had lots to say about the
mind. Study Romans 8:6: "To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Your mind
can't be at peace when it's filled with hate and resentment. But you can free both of you by forgiving him. Besides, I have promised the earth to the meek and humble, and the peacemakers
I call my special children. But before you inherit the everlasting earth you need to change your character. It may shock you
to hear this, but if you can't get along with him and forgive him here, you may not have a hereafter! Why did I die for your sins in which you persist? I did it because I love you. Why can't
you forgive for the same reason? But - I have to stress that I don't love your sins, and I can't excuse them or allow you
to excuse them. You need my lamp, my Word, not the world's
words. At this point I knelt
on my knees beside my bed and the words of charlie prides song were on my mind and my mouth......
Time to time I try to find a reason |
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