As we finish up the Gospel of John today (and a recap next week), it is important to see how John ends his gospel.
You could have stopped at John 20:30-31 and no one would have noticed the loss of John 21. But, in John 21, we see a critical loose end that needs to be tied up - Peter has betrayed Jesus and needs restoration! One wise man said that in order for true forgiveness to happen, the person who broke trust needs to come with one gift to the one offended - truthfulness. I can tell you personally how tempting it is to deal with someone who hurt you by just getting past things quickly so you can both move on. But, the truth is, without that kind of honest resolution, you will not have the kind of relationship God intends for you and I to have. It is the harder way, for sure. But, we are called to a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Make sure that you take time this today to pray over any broken relationships you currently have. Ask God to open some doors and show you how to start moving in that direction… and heal.
Pastor Dave, this series has been such a blessing in my life. My personal testimony includes forgiveness and reconciliation as a result of abuse. I would never be where I am in my relationship with Christ without understanding how critical it is that we forgive God's way. I will be praying for you and our entire congregation as you work to wrap up this series. I feel this message is so central to winning victory over Satan's attempts to kill, steal, and destroy that of which Jesus died to gift us. Thank you for all you do to help us live out the Word of God.
ReplyDeletePam Crawford