I forgive you! Three simple words. Yet at times they are both hard to say and hard to receive. Too often I walk in my flesh and not in His spirit. It is in the times I am in my flesh I struggle the most with these words. I forget too often - He forgave me and continues to forgive me - everyday. I forget I am a sinner saved by grace. Not because there is anything about me that deserves grace. He so freely lavishes grace on me. He desires to lavish it on anyone who will call upon His name.
I also forget that sin is sin to Him. There is not one that is less of a sin than another. Each one nailed Him to a cross. Without that cross there would not be forgiveness and grace. Even though the consequences are different for each sin, each sin is the same. Sin grieves Him.
Often times we act as if there is more severity to certain sins - I do. You do. Sadly, we, the church does. People end up wounded, offended and suffer in silence. Sadly some walk away completely.
I knew when I saw
October Baby at the theater I would one day own this movie. It wasn't just because a guy from the high school I graduated from produced it. It wasn't just because it was a Christian movie. It was because of the powerful message of forgiveness. It was because of the truth of the beauty of life- every life. My sweet husband surprised me with the DVD last night. As I watched the movie again I was overwhelmed by the message of forgiveness!
It was also impressed on my heart of the men and women who may watch this and allow their heart to heal. I prayed that as the words "I forgive you" were shown they would be overcome with forgiveness and love. Forgiveness and love from a loving God who is ready to wrap them up with His grace. A Savior who wants to clothe them in His goodness. A King who is ready to set them free!
I am prayed for me / us the church. I prayed that we will be more like Him each day.
If you haven't seen this movie- I encourage you to watch it! For families with elementary aged children, I encourage parents to watch this movie without children the first time. As a parent, you know your child the best and will know if this is a movie they are ready for. Some will be and I encourage you to allow them to watch this with you. I do think you will need to be prepared to answer some questions. Don't be afraid of questions they may ask. Watching it first without your children will allow you to be prepared for things they may ask. I believe movies like this provide parents great opportunities to have healthy conversations in a safe environment their children.
Because I believe so strongly in this movie. I am giving away a copy of the DVD. Leave a comment letting me know you would like to be entered in the contest. The contest will end next Thursday at midnight (Thursday, September 30th, midnight est). If you share this post, I will enter your name in the drawing twice. Make sure to tell me in your comment where you shared the post!
Note - don't just quit watching when the credits begin to roll. Watch Shari's testimony - you will be blessed!
And for those wondering who the producer is - it is the amazingly talented and Purple Pounder Alumni Cecil Stokes. So super excited to see how God continues to use Him.
