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joshua 1:9
Hello!: girl.twenty.yearns for... Quotes: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
forgive, forgiven
Sunday, February 13, 2011, 6:18 PM
Have you ever wondered why people who do wrong keep repeating their mistakes? And from another point of view, have you ever wondered why you keep repeating the same mistakes even though you know the guilt and consequences it brings you?

I used to wonder about the first question (not that I have never done wrong).

Until when I decided to really repent (meaning to turn away from that wrong and turn to the right direction), and I found myself committing the same mistake.

Now the second question haunts my mind.

A sudden realisation hit upon me. I found myself standing in the shoes of criminals and people who have done wrong. Sometimes, indeed they themselves hate the fact that they repeated their mistakes. It is not intentional, but, it just happened. And if you were ever in this position before, I am sure you understand the burden of guilt, and the disappointment or anger that the 'angel' side of you feel. When I say "if you were ever in this position before", I dont mean everyone, though none of us have committed zero faults. I mean people who really knew and regretted what they did, and have made up their mind to quit that mistake forever. Because there are times when we say," ok, that will not happen again!" , but we do not really mean it.

The point is, God just reminded me of two truths:

1. God says to forgive because we have been forgiven.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

- Ephesians 4:32

"Leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

- Matthew 5:24

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

- Matthew 5:44-45

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

- Mark 11:25

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

- Colossians 3:13

2. we cannot rely on our own strength.

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."

- 1 Chronicles 16:11

"Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

- Isaiah 41:10

"This is what the Lord says, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord." "

- Jeremiah 17:5

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

- Philippians 4:13


Finally, if you are feeling condemned and too ashamed to face your loved ones, much less God, I pray God helps us to embrace this truth:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

- 1 John 1:9-10