Part 4 of the "Embracing Christ" Sermon Series

Today's theme is forgiveness.  How do we capture God's desire for the people of the world and make it our own desire as well?

So far this Lent we have touched on three themes. First, remember what God has done for you. Remember the moments where God has met you, in trials, in joys, and in your fears. But when you do find yourself slipping, and you find yourself afraid, we come to the need for our second theme. Repent of your fears so that you can again place all of your assurances in God. If you are afraid of the future, if you do not know what is next, place all of your assurances in God. Third, we need to learn to accept everyone regardless of their race, belief, custom, or background. We do not need to accept their beliefs or customs, or not hold them accountable for a shady past, but we need to express extravagant welcome. Whoever comes into our life should feel like we welcomed them. Acceptance in our case is showing someone God’s love no matter what, and doing so under the shadow of God’s wings. Fourth, following acceptance, we need to forgive our neighbor for their wrongs, so that healing might begin. We need to give our hurt to God, praying for our enemies and not allowing the harm that anyone did to you to hurt you even more than the original harm. Pray for those who persecute you.