Akinbowale
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THE SEVENTY –TIMES SEVEN LIFE-STYLE IN THE FAMILY
Matthew 18:21-22, 35; Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32; James 3:2a
Seventy times seven is the celestial arithmetic to the heaven bound pilgrimage. It simply means without limit. Believers received forgiveness of sin through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is God’s love towards us and Christ expect us to show the love towards all those that offended us. This an indispensable condition for receiving answers to prayer and forgiveness from God. Offences are common phenomenon in the family. No matter the level of holiness you have attained, “offences must surely come”. It is a common things that happens from time to time. Ability to forgive one another in the family is an act of God’s grace in our life. You can never know real joy until you are forgiven by God, until you learn to forgive others. When you says “ you can forgive but you can not forget, is only another way of saying you can not forgive”. We should never expect God’s forgiveness if we find it difficult to forgive our spouse. We must pray fervently for God’s grace and ability to forgive our spouse.
1. REASONS FOR OFFENCES IN THE FAMILY
Genesis 16:2-6; 29:21-25; 30:1-2; exodus 5:1-2, 7, 21-23; Matthew 13:20-21.
Offences are the revelation of the life and spirit of the offender as of the offended. If a situation is contrary to our expectation, offences will come. Offences come
- when there is no child in family Genesis 30:1-2 “...Give me children, or else i die…….”
- When Jacob took the blessings, Esau was offended(Genesis 27:41)
- When our expectation is contrary to situation. (1Samuel 18:6-8; 2Samuel 13:13-14; Matthew 13:20-21; Genesis 31:1-3).
The reason for the offences is not far fetch, we are not the same, our taste and understanding differs. Whether what was done against you was done deliberately or not, the Bible commanded us that we must forgive. And by God’s grace in us as a born again Christian, it is possible for us to do so.
a. RESULTS OF OFFENCES IN THE FAMILY
There will be danger and wrath. Genesis 13:1-2
There will be envy and jealousy 1Samuel 18:6-8,
There will be despise and distrust Genesis 16:4-6.
There will be separation and divorce Esther 1:10-12; 2:1-7; Acts 1:16-
20.
People may empathize with us. They may join us in condemning the
Obnoxious act of our partner, even when they have not heard his or
her side of story. While outwardly they are saying: so, that spouse is
really that bad? Inwardly they might be saying: ‘and so what! Why
can’t you forgive and forget for Christ’s sake! You must forgive and
and forget for Christ’s sake, otherwise, no heaven. The Lord will give
you the grace to do so in Jesus name.
3. REMEDIES FOR OFFENCIES IN THE FAMILY
Ephesians 4:22; 5:22-25; Matthew 6:12; Luke 17:3-4; Proverbs 4:12
The only thing you can do to settle offences at home is to forgive and forget. There must be submission and love, forbearance and condescension. “Forgiveness is the power that breaks the chains of bitterness and shackles of selfishness; it saves the expense of anger, the high cost of hatred and the waste of energy. Everyone has to be forgiven, he that can not forgive others break the bridge over which himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven” says a preacher. Forgiveness grants us forgiveness and mercy with God (Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:25-26; Matthew 18:35; Luke17:3-5). It stands us in good position before our partner at home. It makes the offender to admire us, to respect and to fear us. There is peace and unity at home as all misunderstandings are settled
Great power is available to the family members, prayers are answered freely in an atmosphere full of love, unity, forgiveness, which devoid of suspicion, animosity and vengeful spirit. The possibilities of prayer of agreement being answered can not be overemphasized (Matthew 18:19).
There is assurance of divine presence in the family. The Lord is always present where two or three are gathered in His name.
Offences are bound to come, if not today, then tomorrow. Your reaction to it will depend on the understanding you have of God’s word and your willingness to obey. “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times; but, until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).
The Lord answer made it clear that we are not to count offences, but to freely forgive our offenders and forget as God has forgives us.
Akinbowale Isaac Adewumi
akinbowaleisaac@yahoo.com
+234080934100273
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