Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!
Well Lord, yet another weekend has come and gone at the Malmstrom home. As seems to be our norm as of late, it was a somewhat hectic weekend but also one filled with fun, laughter, and the company of good friends. Your Presence was felt in abundance, and I thank You for Blessing us with these times of recreation and fellowship.
This week’s Meditations Monday verse is taken from Chapter 4 of Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Wow… no pressure there Father. 😉
This a powerful, relevant verse Lord, and one all Your Children should take to heart more thoroughly. As the fragile, broken beings we are, we often allow our sinful natures to overshadow Your Desires for us. Feelings of inner conflict and malicious intent eat away at our souls, and obscure us from Your Voice. In this passage, Paul reminds us that You Blessed us with the perfect example of Divine Forgiveness. You set the bar, and guide us in our Walk to emulate that behavior in our dealings with one another.
And as we discussed on Friday’s post Father, You know our hearts, not just the persona we put on for others. “Surface forgiveness” isn’t what Your edict to us defines, but instead we’re to strive for true, transformational benevolence. It’s a steep climb to be sure, but one that leads us ever closer to Christ’s Footsteps and to Your Kingdom.
Heavenly Father, I thank You once again for Your consistent guiding Presence in my life. Please help me to cast off the chains of sinful emotions, and reach out to others in the nature of true forgiveness and compassion. Help me to make decisions that best glorify Your Will, and to bring Your Light to those around me. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
This is the second post I’ve read today on forgiveness. 🙂 You’re right, surface forgiveness doesn’t benefit us at all. I have been forgive SO much and I want to offer that same forgiveness to others. It not only restores relationships, but it heals hearts too.
Amen Lisa. True forgiveness can be amazingly difficult to give, but it’s an amazingly liberating experience.
Have a Blessed Day!
I want to be quick to forgive and love and never hold a grudge. God please help me with this! Great prayer Phil
That’s my prayer as well Jenifer!
Have a Blessed Day!
Transformational benevolence – what a powerful phrase to hold in our hands and hearts while we pray. I do plan to use these words this week in my prayers. Thanks for the wonderful insight and heartfelt honesty.
Thank you Jean! I’m focusing on it this week as well. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
God’s children are listening to His voice and not only listening but they are acting on it. Praise God…
Amen Desiray! May we all listen as His Voice draws us to His side. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
True forgiveness is one of the best feelings. When I truly forgive (I pray it is always) the load just seems to be lifted and happiness flows in, I feel it and oh how grateful I am to the Lord. I always want to forgive and be thankful I am able to forgive. Thanks for the wonderful prayer. Blessings to you, Phil.
It is an amazing feeling, isn’t it Deane! Only through God’s Grace can we find that Transformational Benevolence that can set us free.
Have a Blessed Day!
Such a big word, but with such heavenly implications for us if we can grasp a hold of it!
It is a mouthful, isn’t it Allison… But you’re right, it’s a powerful goal to aspire to!
Have a Blessed Day!
“Transformational benevolence”–I’m not sure I’ve ever heard forgiveness in those terms. It certainly brings rich depth to the meaning. This is “keeper” for future reference.
peace~elaine
Thank you Elaine! I’m never sure when God places phrases like this on my heart how He chooses them (or in many cases, why), but they always end up being important!
Have a Blessed Day!