Pastor's Corner

How do we react when we have been wronged? Is our anger justified?  Are we quick to forgive or do we hold on to this resentment with both hands? We must remember that the anger and resentment we harbor only affects us, not the person we are upset with. God calls us to be quick to forgive and slow to anger. “…if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt 6:15) If we are to be forgiven, we must forgive those who have offended us.  Then the question can be raised, “how many times must I forgive someone who offends me?”  “…and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”(Luke 17:4) This is not saying we should put ourselves in harms way, or make unwise decisions that make us vulnerable to being used and abused.  I think it calls us to allow for the imperfection of our fellow man, and gives us a small glimpse at the grace of Jesus. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory, compassion is where our hearts should lie concerning our Christian brothers and sisters. This week’s Pastor’s corner is a call to break down the walls of resentment, let go and let God into these areas of our lives so we can love more and judge less. Thanks, have a blessed week. Jake Thomas.