For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
- Matthew 6:14-15
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
-Luke 6:37
Several weeks ago my brother came to visit me. He stopped by on a Saturday. My wife worked that day so I was home alone with my two girls. Although, we only live about a half hour away from each other, my brother and I don't see each other that often. That day he told me he really wanted to talk to me. In my world that means somebody wants a favor, usually money. My brother did not initially tell me what he wanted. He had brought my girls some dolls and he played with them( the girls not the dolls). The three of them had a great time, my brother is like a big kid himself when he gets around children. Finally, he told me what he wanted to say. He told me he was sorry for the different ways he had let me down and the hurt he had caused me over the years. The things he had done are not significant at this point, the fact that he apologized is. I think he was surprised at how quickly I told him he was forgiven. The truth is, it wasn't hard at all to forgive him. I did it through the strength of Jesus Christ, so it had nothing to do with me. I love my brother, but God loves him more. He has protected him and watched over him his entire life. He is at the point now where not only can he apologize for things he has done wrong, but God can use him to bless other people. So of course I forgave my brother. God had already forgiven him, so who would I be to not have. I have done many things wrong in my life and I have asked God for forgiveness and mercy many times. He has never let me down and if you do the same He will never let you down.
I think we should remember that the next time someone does us wrong- we should forgive them.
But I think I would be wrong to not to point out that the only way we can do this is through the power of Jesus Christ. Most of the time when people wrong us in any way the last thing we want to do is forgive them. We need God to help us in this. If you are asking why should we forgive people; I ask isn't God wanting us to reason enough?
The New Yankees offense in the playoffs has been offensive. The series against the Baltimore Orioles was exciting and dramatic. It was fun to watch and I really can not take much more. It is bad for my heart. C.C Sabathia pitched a great game 5 (after some disappointing playoff games early in his Yankee career)- all is forgiven. As I said before, after the 2009 World Series, Alex Rodriguez forever gets a pass for his terrible playoff performances. The same cannot be said for Nick Swisher, who has been dreadful. Mark Texeria is actually playing well this postseason, so no longer can I complain about him. Clearly, Robinson Cano(he has been historic in his ineptitude)who has gone hitless in 26 at- bats and Curtis Granderson has taken his place. They are now #2 and 3 behind Swisher for all time Yankee playoff choke artist. Swisher has the nerve to complain about being booed. Note to Swisher: get a hit and the fans will stop booing. That being said, all is not lost if the New York Yankees win tonight, C.C is pitching tomorrow and we have a chance to even the series. However, if they continue to do NOTHING at the plate, we will lose. I am not saying I won't forgive Cano, Granderson and Swisher if they don't win. I am just saying it was easy to forgive Alex Rodriguez after the 2009 World Series.
The New York Jets won an impressive game on Sunday. It was actually vintage "ground and pound" and a vintage Rex Ryan defense. Shame on all those analyst who downplayed the win because they played against a rookie QB. The New England Patriots played against a rookie QB on Sunday- and lost. So I will enjoy this win for a week, because next Sunday we play the New England Patriots.
Now that I got that off my chest time for a devotional and prayer before the Yankee game.
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