Forgive

Forgive
The apostle Paul wrote,

“In your anger do not sin” : 

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” 

                                                               Ephesians 4:26.

In my previous blog I quoted James the half brother of Jesus as writing,
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ” James 1:19, 20.
That being said we all get angry from time to time. However when we get angry we need to turn to God right away and ask Him to calm us down.
We above all should heed the advice of the apostle Paul.

“In your anger do not sin” : 

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” 

                                                               Ephesians 4:26.

It is easy to sin when you get angry. Quite often someone who get angry is not thinking rationally. They throw caution to the wind and do things they regret later on. Thus the need for taking a time out and turning to God in prayer.
The apostle Pauls advice to “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” is especially relevant.
From a purely practical point of view going to bed angry may cause us to loose sleep. I’ve even heard doctors say being angry can cause health problems. Thus even more reason to turn to God and get rid of the anger.
My wife and I firmly believe in what the apostle Paul said.
From the days before we were married we have never let the sun go down on our anger. If we have a problem with each other we come together and talk it out. We do not go to bed angry. Ultimately we forgive any wrong that has been done to us. It’s not always easy but it works.
It’s the same when someone else upsets us. We go first to God in prayer asking for His wisdom in how to deal with the situation. Then if appropriate approach the person in love and try to discuss the problem with the person.
No matter what the situation is however we always forgive the individual.
I admit sometimes this approach does not always work. Some individuals simply don’t want to listen to you. Still if you can in all sincerity forgive the person you personally will feel much better and I believe will be in right standing before God.
Jesus in teaching his disciple to pray noted,
       “And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us....
     For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:12,14,15
Please think about it.

What would you do?

What would you do?
From time to time I like to poke believers in Christ Jesus with a pointy stick. To make them think about things that are hot button issues in some church congregations. This is one of those days.
The Psalmist writes,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16
The scenario I present for your consideration is this story,
“That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
That done she took the ten minute drive to the modest size church she attended. Meeting with the pastor in the office.
For a few minutes they talked and prayed. Then seeing the time she proceeded to the pulpit.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Doran and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If they did no one commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered. Then finally the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
Question,
If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus how would you vote?
How do you think the congregation you belong to would react?
The position she was seeking aside. Would this person be accepted in the congregation you attend?
Please think about it.