By Pastor Dennis Morales

Psalm 86:5 “…For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

A man was having a discussion with a friend about his relationship with his wife.  The man said “Every time we have an argument she gets historical.” The friend corrected him and said, “Do you mean hysterical?” “No, I mean historical.  When we argue, she brings up stuff from the past and holds it against me!”

The devil would love to have you to hold grudges, because a grudge can move to bitterness.  If there isn’t forgiveness, what the Bible calls “a root of bitterness” will take place. (Hebrews 12:15)  The devil aims to divide marriages, families, and friends through un-forgiveness.  Un-forgiveness can kill any relationship.  Because we live in an imperfect world, we are bound to mess up sometime.

Has someone wronged you or betrayed you?   You may not be able to fix everything, but one thing you do have the power to do, it is to forgive.  Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery.   At the end of Joseph’s story, he forgives his brothers.  He had complete trust in God and what He can do through forgiveness.   Joseph brought his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob for his blessing. Jacob asked “who are these boys?”  Joseph said “These are my sons.  God has given them to me in Egypt.”   “Manasseh” means “forgetful” and “Ephraim” means “successful.”   (Genesis 48)  Joseph knew the power and success of forgiveness.   He simply forgave and forgot.   God has essentially done the same with us! (Psalm 103:12)

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30am, and Wednesdays, 7:00pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.