the best is worth struggling for ... cont' ....
The Senior Pastor, Pastor David Lim preached.The sermon ? How apt .... It seems a long while ago when I last heard it. And I've heard it many times. I practiced it many times, I also ignored it many times, I am also as guilty as burying it many times.
Pastor Lim preached on "Conquering Bitterness Before It Conquers You"
Eph 4:15; 29-32
I was very taken aback by Pastor Lim's introductory point. He said something different from what the whole world says and even at times Christian say this too, if they want you to attempt to forgive.
He said, "Don't Forgive and Forget."
And he paused there. I did wonder, did he mean "forgive and forget"?
No. He meant what he preached.
He continued, "Don't forgive and forget. It is impossible. Forgetting is denial."
"recognize the injury. (Eph 4:15)
Face the issues or they will keep on hurting."
At this point, I felt old wounds peeling and bleeding.
Ouchhhhhh, painful. Very painful.
Pastor Lim moved on to elaborate his point.
"If we forgot, we could not forgive the abuser for the injustice and abuse. We need to ask what did I or others do wrong? And then, place responsibility where it belongs, then forgives. We need to take responsibility and move on."
Now, this is a very new light that is being shed upon me.
Thank You, Lord.
Now I know even clearer that I cannot change the facts but forgiveness changes the meaning of the facts.
The next point Pastor Lim shared corrected my misconception about anger.
We always hear people say "Do not let the sun go down when you are still angry." I always thought that anger is a sin.
"Anger is OK! Express your anger!"
Did I hear wrongly? Does it mean I can go home and smash up all the vases?
"Express your anger the right way. Facing reality means facing feelings of anger, betrayal, hurt.... "
"If you repress it, you may suffer from depression, bitterness, mistrust, self-pity, anxiety ... and if you vent it, you may hurt others. You need to express it under control. Express it at the right time, at the right place and with your thoughts thought through."
Thank You, Lord. You teach me not to deny my feelings. I am not always that strong. I am not always that forgiving. I am not always that long-suffering. Teach me, Lord, not to sin in my anger, even in my thoughts.
I commit myself into Your Hands, Lord. Amen.
These two points are enough of rhema to me .....
Let me dwell on them and chew on them.
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. It makes wise the simple. "
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
posted by Jesselyn Ng @ 4:49 PM
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