There
is beauty in forgiveness and restoration. A major influence in my life
spiritually almost never became a minister. This person told me while in Bible
College and working a part time ministry, he got his girlfriend pregnant. For
some people and places, this would have disqualified this person from ever
being in ministry.
The
church he worked at was in a dilemma. He was guilty of a sin. During this time it
would have been more acceptable to no longer consider for ministry. Rather then
ending his ministry career, they chose to give him a second chance.
A
second chance is not a free pass. This man was told he was to take a break from
ministry, focus on his soon to be wife and child. For several months he worked
a job and worked towards getting everything in order. After this time the
church allowed him to come back on staff in ministry. He was married, graduated
from Bible College, had a beautiful child and went on to have an extremely successful
ministry.
Restoration
can be life changing. My mentor is still married to this day has beautiful kids
that have grown up loving Jesus. I doubt I would be a Christian today without
this man in my life. One decision that was made a long time ago had an
influence on my salvation. The church had no clue the decision they made to forgive
and restore this man led to me accepting Jesus in my life. They had no idea this
man would play a big role in me going into ministry. Him and his wife are
inspirations to Hailee and I. If we had issues or struggles we could go to this
couple for help and guidance.
Good
results can happen from restoration. 2 Corinthians 13:11-14…
“Finally, brothers and sisters,
rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind,
live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one
another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their
greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
One
churches decision to restore one person affected myself and numerous others.
Paul ended the book of 2 Corinthians with this scripture. Imagine the effect
restoration, peace and encouragement can have on the world? This is what the
church is truly for. The church gives us the grace of Jesus, love of God and
the close partnership/friendship of the Holy Spirit. We can all have this.
Forgiveness even between two people can affect hundreds, thousands and even the
world. One person’s restoration brought me to Jesus.
Imagine
the difference you can make if you restore, repair and forgive someone in your
life? I am not a perfect person. I have needed grace, forgiveness and needed to
be restored. The grace of Jesus is a beautiful thing. I am glad this church
offered grace and forgiveness because I am a Christian minister as a result.
Show grace today.
Have
a great day.
