I have been criticized for calling Christianity a shortcut religion.

[Peaceful Protester]

33. Love and Forgiveness Are Gifts You Pay Forward

Last edited Thu Dec 7, 2017, 04:03 AM - Edit history (2)

Before He was brought to the cross, Jesus offered love. He said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

While on the cross, Jesus offered forgiveness. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." A powerful lesson; forgive your enemies and pray for them.

--

Love and forgiveness are gifts that originate with God and go hand in hand. Love and forgiveness are meant to be shared far and wide by everyone. People like to rationalize that their sin is better than another person's sin. But, according to the Bible everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

--

Dylan Roof killed nine people during a prayer service at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In the aftermath, the congregation immediately expressed their love and forgiveness. The hope is that the perpetrator will repent, ask God for forgiveness, accept the love of Jesus, and become a new creature.

Although the victims suffered the unbearable pain of losing their loved ones in a heinous act of violence, they were able to offer the same love and forgiveness they had received from God themselves. When we receive God's love and forgiveness, we have an obligation to pay it forward.

If his victims can offer God's love and forgiveness to the perpetrator of such an evil act, who am I to do otherwise? Although he was offered God's love and forgiveness, he was not spared justice. He will spend a very long time in prison paying for the consequences of his actions.

--

When we love and forgive others, we let go of the past, pay it forward, and begin to heal. Paying it forward is God's will, and it allows others the opportunity to experience God's love and forgiveness also. Why? Because God is love, and it's God's will that everyone have an opportunity to come to Him.

--

(Matthew 5:43)
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

(Luke 6:37)
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
.