Series: Forgiven
Message: Can We Forgive and Forget?
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 25:15-22.
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 - Re-read in the ESV translation for new insights/questions.
Reflect: Therefore, now carries strength for us too, so Paul continues “knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade others.” Just as a reminder, “fear” does not carry the same meaning as we do today, rather this fear is one of respect, Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10, or with Isaiah when he was in the presence of God (Isaiah 6:5). It is a recognition that we need God. We stand in awe of God. A good friend of mine corrected me the other day when I used the term “awesome” regarding some rather trivial site. He said he only uses the word “awesome” in reference to God. Perhaps there is some value in reminding ourselves, while God is deeply connected to us, understands us, loves us, is our confident redeemer—He is still God. All mighty and powerful and wonderful counselor, the Alpha and Omega, that is awesome. Embracing this, Paul suggests we will persuade others too. This is similar to the message he wants to bring home in verse 20, when he states “Therefore, we ambassadors of Christ, God making his appeal through us.” So what is this message that we are ambassadors or persuaders of? Reconciliation. We are reconciled with God. We are ministers of reconciliation. We experience reconciliation in the Church. We live reconciliation in our homes. We need to keep our hearts open to reconciliation.
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray for the opportunity to engage and care for someone.
Research: Read Ephesians 4:31, 32, and ask yourself: How well does my life reflect this passage? If there is one characteristic in these verses on which God has been wanting to get your attention, spend some time now in thoughtful prayer and reflection.