First Thoughts On New Series: Hostage

Wow. What a start to a series.

Yesterday we dealt with bitterness and I’m already hearing God-stories. The highlights for me:

The only solution to bitterness is forgiveness. Only those who’ve been forgiven can really give forgiveness.

And forgiveness is NOT about justifying the hurt. It’s about moving us to a place to be healed. Without this healing, we’ll end up poisoning ourselves as well as those around us.

Had the opportunity to pray with people for forgiveness and a new start.

Going to be a great series….going to see a lot of healing over the next few weeks.

4 Comments

  • May 25, 2010 - 6:09 am | Permalink

    You are a man of God.

  • David Hitch
    May 25, 2010 - 1:22 pm | Permalink

    Yes Rev. English, you are a man called to serve God at Western Hills.

  • May 26, 2010 - 11:37 am | Permalink

    Grant,
    Forgiveness is key to not being bitter and spreading bitterness to innocent people. Forgiveness doesn’t mean totally forgetting, but is a process. Every day you choose to forgive the person(s)/life-sucking situation until you need to only once a week and eventually just on the anniversary of the hurt/loss. Letting go of anger is what forgiveness is about. And sometimes you have to forgive God, the one who is “in control” of everything. When God doesn’t respond/prevent the way we expect, we can get angry at him. Forgiving God results in sweeter more intimate worship, hope for the future and joy undescribable!

  • May 26, 2010 - 5:07 pm | Permalink

    Well said, Mari.

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