This chapter begins with the following quote by Charles Swindoll: "The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it's a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free."
I appreciated the focus on forgiveness in this chapter. This is a theme which I seem to need to visit again and again, maybe because the need for forgiveness in human relationships is so ongoing and necessary. I was blessed by his explanation of forgetting as not remembering in contrast to not having any memory of a thing, it is instead the renewing of our minds to not recall it or seek revenge.
"This is hard spiritual labor. Not remembering means coping with the insidious attacks of memory that would bring the offense to mind over and over. It means taking control of our thoughts with the personal discipline necessary to avoid talking about the forgiven offense, to pass up any opportunity to remind the offender of the offense or to allow it to interfere with our relationship. It is tough. It was tough for Jesus, who sweat blood in the Garden of Gethsemane at the very thought of enduring the physical and spiritual pain required to forgive us. And it is tough for us, but it is a thing of excellence."
I loved the quote by Mark Twain, "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the
violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." That is what I want to
characterize my life and I have a LONG WAY TO GO!!
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Excellent thoughts: So often our thoughts miss the mark of Philippians 4:8. Paul's letter to ask them "what are you thinking about?" hasn't changed for us today. It has been a roller coaster ride with thoughts this week. The author's writing about forgiveness is so good. It is such a blessing that God doesn't remember our sins. I have tried this week to not remember some of the things I have done and it is not easy for me. It is hard spiritual labor. The story of Jacob and Fuchida is an incredible story. Praise the Lord for the "Black Book" that gives us the excellent word. I have been blessed lately with the all the studying I have had in the past and how I can recall different passages and be blessed or instructed by them.
The idea in this verse speaks to me but I tried looking it up and I know it is not Titus in the King James or NIV (if any one knows where it comes from I would be interested in knowing).
"I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."Titus 3:5
Thinking excellent thoughts
Blessings
Cathy
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