It is true that most couples in America today have been or are going through a divorce. In fact, statistics show the numbers are 49-51% of marriages today will end up in divorce. This happens in the church as well as out of the church and those who are charged with showing forgiveness won’t or don’t know how. The church is losing entire families because of its reaction to those who get divorced. Then if a leader within a church gets divorce he or she becomes modern day lepers. In short the families of divorce become 2nd Class Citizens within the vary community that relies on forgiveness.
The word "forgiveness" is found in the New International Version Bible in 15 different scriptures and the word “forgive” is found 63 in the same version. So, why is it not easily done? The answer is like the act itself, it must be with a genuine heart. The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:21-35 outlines the art of forgiveness. It is not about counting because it does not matter as long as the person seeking forgiveness is truthful and heartfelt.
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
The framework of the passage (Matthew 18:21-35) is about Christians forgiving those who seek forgiveness. However, your forgiveness truly lies with God who forgives even the most horrific and unapologetic of sins. We as Christians tend to believe we have all the answers and are more than Christ-like. We become the judge, jury as well as the executioner of those who offend us with their actions. The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is allowed is a bigger issue than killing or stealing for many. The truth is that it is all equal in the eyes of God. God hates all sin and in Malachi 2:16: “I hate divorce, says the LORD God of Israel.” Which is clear but, does that mean we who are divorced are 2nd Class Citizen in His eyes? And I believe in my heart and soul the answer is NO!
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God hates divorce and that resolution and forgiveness should be the marks of a believer’s life. He also recognizes that divorce will occur, even among His children Sheppard’s. A divorced and/ or remarried believer should not feel any less loved or unworthy by God. God uses our sinful disobedience to accomplish great good and in the process allows us to heal from pains of the world as we step through this world. Besides, church leaders are not autocratic judges who lord over those who sinned more than them, but are servants who apply influence with concern and love ALL who have sinned.
I guess my point is that sin is sin and God hates it all, but He still loves us as divorced, remarried, recovering addict, fat, skinny and host of other things that would just be to redundant to cover. If you think you are still a 2nd Class Citizen because of what you did or you think others are lesser because of their sin please read and pray over Matthew 18:21-35.
Live Life Large 4 Christ
Pastor Frank Lott
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