|
May
05
Lessons from Auntie Anne
Published in
Untagged by
Pastor Mark
In her book "Twist of Faith" Anne Beiler the founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzel, share some of the deep and painful moments of her life and how the Lord allowed her to walk through with forgiveness for others and for herself. Jesus told us that if we don't forgive others that He won't forgive us. Forgiveness is a choice that all of us have to learn to make andan action that we as Christ followers are called to do as part of who we are in Jesus. Forgiveness is not an option but a command, the Apostle Paul says to forgive what ever grievances you may have against another. In Anne Beiler's life, forgiveness became essential to her life. After her Nineteen month old daughter was killed in an accident that involved Anne's sister, Anne said that she instantly chose to forgive, which became a way of life for her. She writes;
"God's grace and forgiveness are what got me through it all. Today when I think about forgiveness, I wonder, Have I forgiven others as I have been forgiven? Sometimes my old hurts begin to throb and I feel the emotions of anger and depressions. It's during these moments that I think about Jesus and what he said while dying on the cross surrounded by his accusers and executioners, "Father , forgive them." The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Colossians chapter 3 verse 13, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." When we forgive it releases the flow of God to bring healing into our life and to the lives of others through us. Unforgiveness is not a Christian response, there is no doubt that all of us have had moments when we wanted to hold on to past hurts but the Lord says as we forgive others He will bring peace to our lives. So learn this lesson from Auntie Anne Forgiveness is something that all of us have received and all of us must give. I will be praying that God encourages you each day of this new week. Keep praying God is in control. |