Total Forgiveness (part 6)

This is the last day on the subject of FORGIVENESS, and I want to specifically focus on how FORGIVENESS is actually rendering a PARDON to the individual or individuals who have done wrong.  I’ve been reading a book entitled, THE PREACHER AND THE PRESIDENTS. In one particular chapter the authors share insights from the life of President Ford and his announcement that he was PARDONING former President Nixon.

This was a period of American History when the majority of Americans were not in a forgiving mood.  Regardless of what the outcome could have been President Ford moved the country forward with a needed PARDON for the former President.  I believe that when there is a PARDON given, there is a forward direction in the lives of those that the PARDON affects.

Here are some important lines from President Ford’s speech given on September the 8^th, 1974, “The Constitution is the supreme law of our land and it governs our actions as citizens.  Only the laws of God, who governs our consciences, are superior to it . . . I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive Justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy.” What a powerful statement by a person who held the most powerful position in the land.  To think that the President saw himself as a humble servant before God is awesome, and it should cause all of us to humble ourselves before the Lord.

I really love the statement about receiving JUSTICE WITHOUT MERCY IF I FAIL TO SHOW MERCY. That statement brings me to a position of brokenness.  Because when honesty is the bottom line, most individuals cry for mercy for themselves, but demand justice for those who have done them wrong.  How foreign humanism truly is to the heart of GOD. Let me also mention, how far our country has fallen since 1974.  How many of our leaders see themselves as humble servants of God?  How many leaders do you know who hold powerful positions, and they do not abuse the power entrusted to them?

I’m sure you know by now where this closing devotional is headed.  That’s right, straight to the heart of our HEAVENLY FATHER. He is totally in charge, has all power and can do exactly whatHE wants, and with all of that in mind, our HEAVENLY FATHER HAS PARDONED EVERY ONE OF US FROM OUR SINS. Regardless of our theological position, GOD HAS FORGIVEN US FOR MISSING THE MARK TIME AFTER TIME. When HE could give us what we deserve, HE has given us what we have needed, FORGIVENESS. Yes, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has alreadyPARDONED US. Just receive the finished work done at Calvary.

Today set free any person who you are holding something against.  In other words, PARDON THEM. This applies to my life as well as to you the reader.  Check this out, while former President Nixon was recovering in the hospital, Ruth Graham, (wife of Billy Graham) hired a private plane to troll back and forth above the hospital where Mr. Nixon was recovering with this sign for him to read, “NIXON – GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE.”

Go out today and share with someone else the reality of being PARDONED, and let them know, “HEY FRIEND – GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.”

PRAYER: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.   For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.