Calvary Pointers Morning Showers 04 August 2023 Devotional by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi - Drop That Weight!
Drop That Weight!
Acts 24:16 KJV - And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.
Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Many of us are carrying offenses like accessories, not even realizing that they’re weighing us down. So how do we let go of our anger, our offense, or our frustration in a healthy way?
A lecturer of mine in the Seminary years back said, to live a healthy life, he chose to lower his expectations towards other people; be it in his field as a pastor and in the secular world. Instead, he raise his gratitude for God’s grace.
This I felt truly works about you not having grudges or offenses towards your fellow human. Yes it sounds simple, but it’s not easy.
Jesus was never shocked by sin, yet we often are. We tend to point fingers, cast judgment, and get angry, but Jesus simply showed up, listened well, and offered truth and grace.
As Jesus neared the end of His life, He knew that Peter would deny Him three different times. Peter refused to believe this, saying that he would never deny Jesus. But Jesus, knowing full well that betrayal was coming, gives this beautiful instruction to Peter:
“… I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 NLT
Jesus wasn’t surprised by Peter’s actions nor offended at the pain they’d cause Him. Instead, He called him to greatness after his repentance.
We can choose to give others that same gift. When someone hurts us or wrongs us, it’s easy to be offended. But how much better would it be to extend grace instead?
We see another example of this with the woman who was caught in adultery in John chapter eight. The religious leaders wanted to stone her, but Jesus offers her mercy. He asks for anyone without sin to cast the first stone, and slowly, everyone walks away but Him.
Often, we think that holding on to offense gives us power. We like being in the position to throw the stone, hurl the insult, or have the self-righteous opinion. But the truth is, like the woman, we’re all in desperate need of grace.
It’s only by grace that we’ve been saved and rescued, so it only makes sense that we should extend that same mercy to those who have wronged us.
We have options. We can keep holding onto offenses that keep us bitter and keep others hostage. Or we can choose to lay them down, remember grace, and find freedom.
We should always thank God for giving us undeserved grace. And equally pray for God's help to free others from our trap of offenses, and have a conscience void of offense towards God and men.
This morning, pray unto God and lay down the offenses you have been carrying, and ask for healing instead. Beloved, remove that weight this morning. God bless you.
Good Morning. Glorious day at work!
MORNING SHOWERS Today, 04 August 2023 was written by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi; is the founder and Senior Pastor of Calvary Pointers Covenant Church situated at Block C, Road A, Unity Estate, Gbaga Bus Stop, by Ijede Rd, Ikorodu Lagos,Nigeria