GOD OF PATIENCE

Way to receive blessings : 

Part II:

The memory of the unconditional forgiveness of Christ even while burning in the sacrifice of sufferings, compassionately prayed for His tormentors, in itself is a sure source of blessing to us. Dear ones, the way in which Christ who was blameless stood adorned with the Crown of Thorns, like a sheep taken to be slaughtered, led even Pilate to sheer astonishment. The cruel plight of the hands which strove for the well-being of all, as it was mercilessly scourged to the stone pillar!
When he bore the wooden cross, which was destined as punishment for those who are cursed, on His Holy Shoulders! Lord Jesus who moved silently in the whit-heat of the midday sun by enduring patiently the rebukes, insults and other inhuman tortures! The pain He endured when He was stretched at full length on the cross and nailed to it. In spite of all this, the way in which before breathing His last, He asks for forgiveness for the sins of His tormentors indeed does move my hardened heart. 

The words He uttered, "Forgive them Father, they don't know what they are doing." (Lk 23:34) By forgetting His own pain and wholeheartedly forgiving the ill deeds of His enemies, seeking for forgiveness of sins of His fellow brethren, granting incomparable love to those who cursed Him, helps each of us to reestablish our snapped relationship with God. All these instances reflect His forgiving love. Jesus Christ asks of us so that His sacrificial death untold mental and physical pain, on the cross may become fruitful that, "You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you." Lord God says,"The words that you use to impute me are too harsh."

Due to lack of cautiousness or distress, we many a times hoist justifications to our Lord. We may be having a pretty long catalog, with the heading 'Done for Lord'. Lord definitely considers it all. But when we confess our wrongdoings and weakness without any justification, then Lord definitely forgives us. The curse which stands as an obstacle in the path of blessing departs and it disables us to receive his sanity. Hence dear readers, just as Christ accepted us, so also by accepting one another through mutual forgiveness, let us glorify God our loving heavenly Father, who said,"I will be with you."

The Holy Bible clearly states that those who forgive receive God's protection in endless measure.    (1 Sam- 24  ).
We have to forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven us. 
(Col 3)
Bible again teaches, never take revenge, my friends,but instead let God's nature do it. 
(Romans 12)

The Bible which gives us these advises, also says, as to what happens to those who fail to forgive others. 

Initially in Gospel, (Matt 6: 9-15) says that, if you do not forgive  your fellow beings, Lord too will not forgive you and thus it will become impossible to receive Lord's blessings. Those who nurture anger and revenge lose the ability to either hear or understand God's advice. Lack of interest and enthusiasm will develop towards fulfilling all spiritual deeds. The grace of repentance will also be lost. Sacramental life will become merely ritualistic. 

Therefore, Lord instructs us to forgive one another, so as to obtain his abounding mercy, or else, the ability to analyze even one's own sin vanishes. (Sirach 28:3) Gradually the person begins to judge and find faults in others.

Lord asks us, in this momentary earthly journey if man who is short-lived as a mere bubble, nurture revenge within himself, then, who will reprimand his sins? Not only that, Lord will not receive the offerings of such people (Matt 5:23) but, also his prayers will not be answered. 
(Mark 11:25)

The Lord clearly says that, the infinite hard work of such a person will all go futile. If said with more of stress, then it means that, the relationship of that person with God snaps halfway.

We obtain numerous advises from Christ. When clear indication is given to forgive and if we still neglect and ask God for other advises, it is really difficult to obtain one. The Holy Faith thus begins to default. In repeating the wrong doings, the luster of enmity increases, nature of despising others, thought of neglected by others, shamelessness and such other vices gain firm rooting.

The constant guilt feeling of having not given forgiveness and pricking conscience increases so much, that mental distress, sickness, sleeplessness, winds its way into us. The leadership of God in our life gets replaced by three strong powers that is, satan, world & bodily desires and passions. Circumstances wherein little hatred grows into murder, divorce,suicidal attempts are not new. Fear of enemies may lastly lead some to take refuge of evil practices such as black magic and witch craft. Some others make futile attempts to gain over the enemy. 

As days go by, the raising inferiority complex and fear increases and you get thrown into the dark depths of depression. The sorrowful thought that 'now no one can save me' leads one to bad habits such as alcoholism and drugs. Some may visualize shadows of relief in loneliness or sexual sins and delve into it. In short, he will be labelled as a mentally distressed person and numerous physical ailments will begin to reign over him. With this he further realizes that - "no one can receive or help me and salvation is impossible.'

Impure and poison mangled heart, mental and bodily pain and such other discomforts have only one medicine  through Lord Jesus Christ and that is none other than the Living Word of Lord who is alive and abiding with us even today. 

The only medicine prescribed by Father through His Living Word to gain deliverance is nothing but 'forgiveness' alone. Do not forget the fact that this is also a commandment of God. 

Lord's Holy Words say -- "Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles  with its poison. Try to be at peace with everyone and live a Holy Life." (Heb.12)

Lord says that my hands are not weak so as not to be able to reach out and save you. (Is. 59: 1-2)

Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. (Is.55) He who drinks may drink no more because Lord will give you strength. His power will enable you to give up all the vices. Whoever nurtures stubbornness and anger have to abandon them and arrive at a compromise. We have to give up our stubbornness, impelling attitude, selfishness, hardness of heart and retreat from them all. Be filled with the Holy Spirit of Lord Jesus Christ who alone is our Redeemer.

Even today many are behind bars of stubbornness, anger, loneliness, guilt feeling. The pitiable state wherein, one can't do the good things even after knowing them! These bound conditions of human mind have curbed his peace and joy. Our evil deeds have broken to pieces the mighty blessings of having a strong relationship  with Lord and living in unity with Christ in the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus therefore says, " I have been sent by Him to proclaim liberty to the captives and to set free the oppressed." (Lk. 4) He who is righteous and faithful is ever ready to purify and comfort us. By no means will he refuse or despise us.  (Heb. 12) So let's go towards Lord who is the image of truth and peace. May the burning flame of forgiveness enlighten those who are occupied by hurt and sores, those who are craving for peace and those thirsting for indestructible joy and peace.

Our healing and empowerment begins when we surrender our life to Lord Jesus. There is nothing more important in your spiritual life  than to say 'YES' to the Lord, who can set us free. 

Who will take courage to give up his precious life for the sake of his enemies? 
Jesus accepted the sacrificial death, to save us from our destroyer. We can be hundred percent sure that God loves us and will always be with us and all His purpose for our life are for our own good fortune. 

The more we open up and simply allow ourselves to be drawn deeply to his love the more our life will align in the right order. 

Let's whisper a prayer:

Loving Father, unto thy hands, I offer  my heart and soul. I invite you to all the secret chapters of my life. Yes, Merciful Father, may your will be done. Jesus, Son of God, I believe in you and accept you as my Lord and Savior. 

I surrender my life, health, wealth, family, relations, resources, skills, occupation, time management and all my success and failures etc.... especially my emotions of my past, present and future. 
From today on-wards, I totally belong to you. You have given all to me. My Lord, as a thanksgiving, I return all that I gathered in my past. 

What I need from you, is only the knowledge of truth and grace, to follow your teachings in my remaining stay here on earth. Let your unconditional forgiving love overwhelm me and lead me to be a true light for others.  

Thank you for your Living Word that strengthens me to take the right decision. 
Thank you for enabling me to rise out of discouragement and live in peace. Amen!

                                                        Soul of Christ, Sanctify Me. 
                                                        Body of Christ, Save Me