HIDDEN VALLEY: FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness
Mark 3:29- But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. (KJV)
Great care must be taken throughout life not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
Believers are expected to speak and act in ways pleasing to the Lord God. The way of Jesus Christ is embraced at Holy Baptism for life’s duration.
When failing to follow Christ occurs, repentance and forgiveness are beneficial.
Jesus Christ is good and merciful, willing to forgive believers choosing to repent.
Acts 5:31- Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (KJV)\
Seeking forgiveness is possible while the believer’s mind and heart are willing.
Personal relationships are strengthened when forgiveness readily occurs.
Family life and work places are healthier when forgiveness is earnestly practiced.
The Lord’s Prayer associates God’s forgiveness with forgiveness in relationships.
Forgiveness is a way to remove the burden of guilt for inappropriate behavior.
Almost every believer sooner or later says something that requires forgiveness.
Acts 13:38- Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (KJV)
God’s forgiveness of sins enables believers to begin life anew in Jesus Christ.
Repentance and confession are appropriate throughout the Christian life.
Believers maturing in Christ appreciate the value of serious confession of sins.
Repentance and forgiveness prepare the believer for Christ’s Final Judgment.
Every believer will face Christ at the Second Coming for the Final Judgment.
Acts 26:18- To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (KJV)
Evil is constantly present to attack the believer and attempt to tarnish the soul.
Great and constant vigilance are necessary to guard the heart, mind and soul.
Deceptive evil at times masquerades as good to lure the believer into sin.
Personal relationships can be harmed and injured when a believer falls into sin.
The willingness to forgive and seek forgiveness strengthens healthy relationships.
Ephesians 1:7- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (KJV)
Parents teach their children the value of forgiveness by forgiving each other.
Husbands and wives have a stronger marriage when sincere forgiveness prevails.
Love and joy increase with the practice of forgiveness in human relationships.
Personal productivity increases when employers willingly forgive employees.
The Church makes available the opportunity of Jesus Christ’s forgiveness of sins.
Holy Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch. Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania.
February 9/22, 2023. Father Rodney Torbic