Thank you for sharing. My story is quite similar. I had unforgiveness towards my father. The Holy Spirit pricked at my heart until I was tired of living with anger, and bitterness. I choose to forgive him, and over a course of events, he gave his life to Christ before he passed. I gave his eulogy, and it centered around him coming home... to his earthly family, and most important back to God. I was a beautiful thing that might not have happened if I hadn't forgiven him.
Perfect. If people only realized that authentic forgiveness is released in the indwelt believer - droves of "dads" would find redemption in Christ. Human forgiveness is great, but it only lasts as long as a life span. Christ's forgiveness through the indwelt oftentimes lasts for eternity.
I agree. My father needed to forgive himself even more that he needed my forgiveness. He lived decades with shame and regret. My forgiveness opened the for him to receive Christ's forgiveness, and enabled him to final forgive himself for his failings as a man, husband, and father. He's been gone since 2005, and I think of him everyday...with fondness and love.
It is an honor to read how the Lord uses the My Life series to touch hearts and minds. You are a cherished friend, Geoff. We may be on opposite sides of the earth, but it feels like you are in my backyard. Thank you for being such a companion of the Gospel. I love you to eternity and back.
Thanks for all the hearts, folks. Identity in Christ is everything to me. This is where the "rubber hits the road" in my life.
Thank you for sharing. My story is quite similar. I had unforgiveness towards my father. The Holy Spirit pricked at my heart until I was tired of living with anger, and bitterness. I choose to forgive him, and over a course of events, he gave his life to Christ before he passed. I gave his eulogy, and it centered around him coming home... to his earthly family, and most important back to God. I was a beautiful thing that might not have happened if I hadn't forgiven him.
Perfect. If people only realized that authentic forgiveness is released in the indwelt believer - droves of "dads" would find redemption in Christ. Human forgiveness is great, but it only lasts as long as a life span. Christ's forgiveness through the indwelt oftentimes lasts for eternity.
I agree. My father needed to forgive himself even more that he needed my forgiveness. He lived decades with shame and regret. My forgiveness opened the for him to receive Christ's forgiveness, and enabled him to final forgive himself for his failings as a man, husband, and father. He's been gone since 2005, and I think of him everyday...with fondness and love.
Thank you Stephen. This is a foundational teaching on our identity in Christ driven by our repentance.
It is an honor to read how the Lord uses the My Life series to touch hearts and minds. You are a cherished friend, Geoff. We may be on opposite sides of the earth, but it feels like you are in my backyard. Thank you for being such a companion of the Gospel. I love you to eternity and back.