The greatest measuring rod of love
in the life of a Christian is forgiveness. (1)
My counseling load has been on the upswing lately.
My Christian brothers and sisters are experiencing amnesia. They can pray “Forgive us our debts …” but cannot find it in their hearts to forgive.
It makes counseling a futile exercise.
I have considered posting this positive reminder on my office door:
Counseling works for those willing to forgive!
My counseling load continues to pile up with little or no progress. Everyone wants to be forgiven, but few are willing to forgive.
Jesus spoke about this frequently, but few people listen.
Jesus also practiced what he preached:
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (2)
I have had people say to me, “I’d rather die than forgive them!”
This explains why the world is filled with so many angry people.
It won’t kill you to forgive someone, but nursing a grudge will.
Forgiveness heals. Anger kills.
My counseling load is killing me.
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John MacArthur, Truth for Today : A Daily Touch of God’s Grace (Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2001), 191.
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The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Romans 5:8.
Bread Crumbs - Devotions for Life 
Man, I have to be reminded of this truth continually. Forgiveness can be the key to open the door of healing and deliverance. The trouble is, we don’t believe that it has any significance at all. Thank you Rus.
Dan, it is the big bug-a-boo in healing. It is also the hardest thing to do because our nature is to insist on justice for others and grace for ourselves.
Wonderful reminder! There is so much wasted energy spent on not forgiving someone. And what a relief when you do! Experience speaking!
You are so very right Rus, so very right. I insist that others pay for every little offense against me, and yet I desire nothing but mercy and grace for myself.