I modified this slightly, (bolded text) but it is so worth taking to heart! Let us always be willing to love and forgive no matter the circumstances!
One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution, but, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young Children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans.
This is when the problems began.
You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter so they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand.
The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. She couldn't change anything that happened in the past - but she was willing to change her life for Christ. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial .. So, does it wash away sin or not?"
The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Too often, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against the ones we love. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and of ourselves as humans. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. I am not perfect, just human, and I am sure I need forgiveness from others as others may need forgiveness from me - but the One who loves me most has already forgiven me. Have you ever thought of the fact that most forgiveness given or taken involves PRIDE! Don't let pride keep you from the act of forgiving or the receiving of forgiveness and robbing you of a relationship that you really do want and need.
What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
Linda K. Milam
Missoinary to America
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