Forgiviness

^{Ephesians 4:20} You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holin  ²⁵Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶"In your anger do not sin"^[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
 ²⁹Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

It's amazing I read that and I see how much hate is in the world with believers. We say we do not want to be in competition with one another, but in all reality we are. We as people do not fully forgive for whatever reason. There is that part that remains bitter at the world and we try to do stuff to cover up our problems. One of my youth ministry heroes Mike Yaconelli said it best. When a person in a christian church is busy they receive praise. That person can go on and yet never build any type of relationships with people. That is not everyone of course but it does happen.

In all reality our busyness simply shows we are needy people. We must be busy because that is how we feel good about us and what we do. I believe more an more that students could careless about our D-Nows, Camps, retreats, and whatever other event we can put on. Those are good things....but I believe the relationship is the most important. I was encouraged today to hear one of our small groups is walking through what salvation is with one of our students. I could preach that from the stage, but I believe it is better one on one. If we have been called to love our neighbor and to reach out to he/she then how important is it for us to step away from the show and show what true forgiveness is.

I believe all that I do is a ministry now and I am to be an example of the light of Grace from Jesus Christ. Showing forgiveness to one another and to situations is the best ministry tool. Doing your best in doing what is right. Last but not least, accepting forgiveness from God.