The First Part of Healing Is Forgiveness, 70x7.

Are you making all the right choices in your Christian journey through life?  You memorize scripture, give to the needy, tithe at the church, and have learned all the ways of reinforcing the foundation of your own soul with numerous biblical principles, but there seems to be one small thing that has been left out.  Jesus poses a conundrum to the scribes about forgiveness and healing.  He knew what was in their hearts and immediately asked them a question that was almost too difficult for them to accept.  They had no idea that he was even listening to their very thoughts.  The first thing he said to the sick of the palsy, which the men brought to him, lowered down from the rooftop in a bed, was that his sins were forgiven him.  Jesus is the example we are to follow in all our endeavors.  First forgive, if we are to go any further in our journey through life.       

 Mark 2:9

“Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?” 

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Mark-2-9/

Even the disciples of Jesus also found it difficult to accept the core principles of His God-endowed biblical philosophy and wondered at how many times they should forgive.  In the Christian church there is lots of forgiveness going on today, simply because we all are still sinners, but we are trying to do the right thing and please God.  He accepts us and brings us continually back into the flock, like little sheep that go astray and still need guidance, before hearts are completely changed and spirits renewed unto sanctification.  Yet, there is some falling away and temptation is always there.  We have to constantly fight against the evil that is in the world and also that exists within our own human weaknesses.  We build and build a respectful relationship with God and watch as sin alienates us from His presence.  But like a miracle, He continues to renew our spirit and our cup is running over again with His mercy and blessings.  God´s forgiveness and healing is real.   

Matthew 18:22

“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” 

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-18-22/

Matthew 11:28 - 11:30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-11-28_11-30/

Jesus makes the process so easy and light, because He is such a forgiving and peaceful spirit, taking away all the torment of your burdensome sins that you have been working so hard to keep to your detriment and downfall.  Give up your sins willingly.  He takes away the heavy load that you are carrying with you and gives you rest and above all, forgiveness, and then healing.  Yes, all kinds of healing occurs after forgiveness, as you should also be able to give healing to others that have trespassed against you through your forgiveness of them.

Matthew 5:24

“Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” 

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-5-24/  

1 Peter 4:8

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Peter-4-8/

So, if you have that huge charitable gift or even some small donation that you are planning on offering to the Church, Hospital, Fraternity, or other huge Social organization that will help some unfortunate individuals in their time of need, first forgive those who have wronged you.  Leave the gift for later and get your heart right with God first.  Let go of all those envies, the strife of hate, resentment, and the memories of so many other bad offensive things that others may have done to you.  Let them all disappear like dust in the wind.  Charity might be only the hollow sounding of an empty drum, a tinkling of a little bell, or like the sound a tree makes when it falls in the forest with nobody there to hear, without forgiveness.  First, forgive. 

June 13, 2023

Cliff Rhodes Christian Ministry