A Forgiving Spirit .
This is such a good devotional for me and well as you . Food for thought .for sure and all of us as Christians need to have a forgiving spirit . When we don't hold grudges .... bitterness will not set in . I thought it was interesting that he said people who tear people down think that they are doing it to build themselves up . Ultimately in the end it is them that suffer cause it comes back to them and they are not happy people but are always full of anger . You and I have met people like that or we know people like that . Lets be Christians with forgiving spirits .
This is such a good devotional for me and well as you . Food for thought .for sure and all of us as Christians need to have a forgiving spirit . When we don't hold grudges .... bitterness will not set in . I thought it was interesting that he said people who tear people down think that they are doing it to build themselves up . Ultimately in the end it is them that suffer cause it comes back to them and they are not happy people but are always full of anger . You and I have met people like that or we know people like that . Lets be Christians with forgiving spirits .
June 5, 2010
A Forgiving Spirit
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
How did Moses respond to the criticism of Aaron and Miriam? He exhibited a forgiving spirit. He could have lashed out and said things that would have been justified. He could have accused them of hypocrisy. He could have defended himself.
Sometimes it is necessary to defend ourselves, but in this case Moses did not. He remembered that Miriam was part of God's plan in saving him from a watery grave as a child. He did not forget that Miriam sang the song of praise after they crossed the Red Sea. He thought of Aaron standing with him against Pharaoh.
Do you know the reason why people try to tear someone else down? To build themselves up. If we remember that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, then we do not need to be negative and critical toward others. In His eyes we are all equal.
Not only does God choose to use us for His purpose, He also stands between us and those who would seek to slander and harm. While it may seem like a long time before God acts, He will.
How do you respond to criticism born out of jealousy and envy? Pray for opportunities to minister to the person. Instead of being glad that Miriam was punished with leprosy, Moses cried out to God to heal her. God responded to Moses's prayer even though He did not heal Miriam instantly. God taught Israel that you could not make false accusations without consequences.
Are you a critical person? Or are you suffering from unjust criticism? Take your requests to the Lord today. Let Him deal with the one criticizing you, or your own critical spirit.
"Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" (Numbers 12:2).
