Choose Forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

Almost everyone knows what it feels like to be hurt.

Someone breaks your trust.

A friend betrays you.

Someone says something that stays in your heart for years.

A relationship ends painfully.

Someone treats you unfairly.

And sometimes the hardest part isn't the pain itself.

It's deciding what to do with that pain.

You may feel like holding on to anger will protect you.

You may think:

“They don't deserve my forgiveness.”

And perhaps what happened was genuinely wrong.

But Jesus calls us to something greater than revenge.

The Bible says:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending that what happened was acceptable.

It doesn't mean saying that the person didn't hurt you.

It doesn't mean you must immediately trust someone who has broken your trust.

And forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation.

Sometimes healthy boundaries are necessary.

But forgiveness means refusing to allow someone else's wrongdoing to control your heart forever.

It means releasing your desire for revenge and placing justice in God's hands.

Jesus gave us the ultimate example.

He was betrayed.

Rejected.

Mocked.

Beaten.

Crucified.

Yet even while suffering on the cross, He prayed for those who were hurting Him.

That is the power of God's grace.

And if Christ has forgiven us, we are called to extend that grace to others.

Think about how much God has forgiven you.

Every mistake.

Every sinful thought.

Every wrong decision.

Every time you ignored His voice.

Every time you chose your own way.

We stand in need of grace too.

That doesn't make someone else's wrongdoing insignificant.

It reminds us that we are also people who need forgiveness.

Maybe today you're carrying anger toward someone.

You don't have to pretend everything is fine.

Bring the pain to God.

Tell Him exactly how you feel.

Ask Him to heal your heart.

Ask Him to help you forgive.

And if necessary, establish wise boundaries.

But don't let bitterness become your identity.

Bitterness can consume the person carrying it more than the person who caused the hurt.

Forgiveness sets your heart free.

Sometimes forgiveness happens in one decision.

Sometimes it is a process.

You may have to surrender the same pain to God repeatedly.

That's okay.

Keep giving it to Him.

Keep praying.

Keep healing.

Keep choosing grace.

And remember that forgiveness doesn't mean you have to forget the lesson.

You can forgive someone and still learn from what happened.

You can forgive and still protect yourself.

You can forgive and still choose wisdom.

You can forgive without returning to an unhealthy situation.

Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom.

If you have hurt someone, don't only ask God for forgiveness.

Where appropriate, have the courage to apologize.

Say:

“I was wrong.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Please forgive me.”

Humility can begin the healing of a relationship.

And if someone has hurt you, ask God for the strength to release the bitterness.

You may not be able to change what happened.

But with God's help, you can choose what happens next.

Don't let yesterday's pain steal today's peace. Give your hurt to God and choose forgiveness.

Is there someone you need to forgive—or someone you need to ask for forgiveness today?

#ChooseForgiveness #Ephesians432 #Forgiveness #Grace #Healing #ChristianYouth #FaithInAction #JesusForgives #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

ANOTHER 5 STARS REVIEW

Reviewer 1Platform Review
Aug 20, 2026
Why The White Man Rules

I had to slow down while reading this one because the argument the author makes is definitely not an easy one to take in. Why The White Man Rules: An Apology takes a very specific position and builds the entire discussion around one question: why has the White man come to dominate so much of the modern world? The author’s answer is rooted almost entirely in his interpretation of the Bible and God’s promises.What caught my attention is that the word “apology” doesn't mean what I first assumed it would. The author spends time explaining that he is using the word in the older sense of a defense or justification, rather than an admission of wrongdoing. He is very direct about that purpose, stating that the book “defends the domination of the world by the White man.”The book then takes the reader through Scripture, particularly the promises made to Israel, and tries to connect those biblical promises to the United States and the British Commonwealth. The author argues that these nations represent the fulfillment of promises concerning a “Great Nation” and a “Commonwealth of Nations.”I found the most interesting part to be how consistently the author brings everything back to God's faithfulness to His promises. Whether you agree with his interpretation or not, you can see exactly what he is trying to establish. The later chapters shift toward faith, redemption, and Christ, presenting these ideas as the second major thread running through the book.This isn't a book I'd describe as casual reading. It makes some very strong claims, and I imagine readers will have very different reactions depending on their own religious and historical perspectives. But I appreciated that the author doesn't hide his central argument or soften it to make it more comfortable. He wants the reader to wrestle with his interpretation of Scripture and history.

Daily devotion for August 19th
Time After Time
But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.

Nehemiah 9:28
What a marvelous picture of the patience of God! He lets us taste the results of our evil. He gets our attention sometimes by letting disaster strike. But it is only in order that we might hear what He is saying and be delivered. He warns us in order to keep us free.

One evening the president of the Gay People's Union of a university was invited to come and speak to a church's group of young people on what the Bible says about homosexuality. The group gave him the opportunity to defend the position that the Bible endorses homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Although this man was the president of his university's debating club, he struggled as he tried to present his case. He went all through the Bible trying to prove his cause, but he floundered and could not get anything together.

The group leader made an agreement with him that when he finished, one of the church's pastors would speak on the same subject. The pastor graciously opened the Scriptures and pointed out that when God forbids something it is not because He wants to limit us or narrow our lives. It is because He is protecting us from something that we cannot handle, something so devastating it will ruin us. He demonstrated from the Word how homosexuality destroys human beings and turns them into something God never intended them to be. Eventually those embracing a homosexual lifestyle would be locked into pain, hurt, misery, loneliness, and death.

Out of that episode came opportunity for members of this church to reach out to those who were struggling with homosexual tendencies. A great number of these people were delivered by the mercy and grace of God. That is what this passage describes--the tough love of God, who will not let ruin overtake us without adequate warning.

The closing paragraph, beginning with verse 32, connects the history of earlier generations with the present generation. Here we find a change of pronouns from they and them to we and our as the Israelites begin to look at their own generation.

This is where we find ourselves today. Our cities are torn with violence and strife of such intensity that people hardly dare to go outside their homes. The only recovery is to do as these people did--confess our wrongdoing to God and praise Him for His compassionate mercy.

Notice how specific the Israelites are. You have acted faithfully, but we did wrong. There is no if in true confession. You say, Lord, I did it. I walked in my own willful way. Then God hears, forgives, and restores.

Lord, thank You for Your promise that as I confess my sin, You are faithful and righteous to forgive and restore

Our BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWER for today is............................

According to Acts 18:14, Gallio said he would have listened if the accusation involved what?

The Answer: C. Wrongdoing or wicked crimes

#LordsbookDailys #DailyBibleTrivia #BibleQuiz #BibleTriviaAnswer

Revenge can be described as the act of taking the power of judgment and placing it squarely in your own hands. It involves a conscious and intentional effort to inflict harm, cause suffering, punish, or publicly humiliate someone, all in response to the pain or wrongdoing that person has inflicted upon you.

At its core, revenge is a visceral declaration that can be summed up in the phrase: "You have caused me pain, so now I will ensure that you experience suffering in return." It is a reaction fueled by a deep-seated need for retribution, often stemming from feelings of personal anger, bitterness, hatred, or resentment. The desire to get even often overshadows rational thought, leading individuals to act with an emotional impulse rooted in a quest for justice or balance.

In contrast, the teachings of God specifically instruct His followers to avoid engaging in such retaliatory behavior. As stated in Romans 12:19 of the King James Version, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL REPAY, saith the Lord.” This scripture emphasizes the important message: "Do not seek to avenge yourselves."

It's crucial to understand the significance of these words. God does not imply that injustices go unnoticed or that they lack importance. Instead, He is conveying that individuals should refrain from positioning themselves as both judge and executioner in matters of vengeance. Taking on this role can lead to more harm than good, both for the one seeking revenge and for the person who has caused the initial injury. True justice, as per divine wisdom, is best left in the hands of a higher power.

JOIN us tonight by 8 pm (WAT) as we call on God to avenge for us in our live prayer meeting on WhatsApp group.

Daily Verse — August 15

Acts 18:14 (NKJV)
“And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, ‘If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you.’”

#LordsbookDailys #DailyVerse #August15 #Acts1814 #StandForTruth #GodsJustice #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

Guidelines for living.
August 4th, 2026

Does God Punish Us with Tragedy?

Neither this man nor his parent sinned, said Jesus….John 9:3



We live in a broken, imperfect world, and one of the results is that bad things do happen to good people; but when we are confronted with that stark reality, almost always our hearts cry out, “Why, God? Why did this happen to me?”

Now, please understand I am not an “armchair authority,” an expert who has all the answers; but believe me, friend, I have done some hard searching with a Bible in one hand and a handkerchief in the other to keep the tears from blotting the words on the page. I have sat at the bedsides of literally dozens of people and I have asked silently many, many times, “God, why did this have to happen to this person?”

Together let’s examine some of the reasons that people kick around, answering the question, “Why bad things happen to good people?” One of the most common answers that you will hear is that someone really isn’t so good, that the bad thing happened as the result of personal failure or wrongdoing. While this may be true in some cases, that doesn’t really satisfy me. Do you know why? God knows the heart; we don’t. That answer almost always seems to come from self-righteous individuals who point at the person who’s down and says, “It must be because you are not as good as I am.”

You first read about this in the book of Job. When covered with boils and robbed of his family and possessions by one tragedy after another, Job was alone and grief stricken. That’s when his friends came to comfort him, but their comfort turned to bitter accusations as they said, “Job, why don’t you confess your fault and perhaps God will have mercy.” Even his wife counseled, “Curse God and die;” but he did not die and he struggled with the very issue for days and months.

In the New Testament we find this same suggestion when Jesus was confronted with a man who had been born blind. The disciples asked, “… who sinned, this man or his parents …?” (John 9:1). You can read about it in the ninth chapter of the Gospel of John. If it is true that tragedy is punishment, it would also be true that God is unjust and cruel because a lot of innocent individuals suffer. Have you ever walked through the pediatrics department of a hospital and viewed some of the tiny babies with their bodies racked by pain? Are we to think that these innocent individuals are being punished for something they have done or their parents did?

As I mentioned earlier, it is because of this that some reject God, attempting to define God in terms of tragedy rather than define tragedy in terms of God.

When bad things happen to good people, our conscience always cries out and we think, “Well, perhaps it’s because of my personal failure this happened.” Nobody’s perfect; even the best of us are sinners, and when we begin to think like that we have forgotten some very important Biblical truths: Christians are not perfect—just forgiven. We have lost sight that when Christ died for the sins of the world, He also died for my sins and my failures. We have lost sight of the fact that because God loves me, He sent His Son to bring me back into His family—adopted as His own child.

When we try to explain why bad things happen to good people in terms of our personal failure, we lose sight of the fact that God does not love me or punish me in terms of my essential goodness but because of the very nature of His goodness and His love.



Resource Reading: Psalm 1:1-6

GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF
2ND AUGUST 2026

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LESSON: MATTHEW ,6:14-15

TOPIC:
HEALING A BROKEN WORLD THROUGH FORGIVENESS.

TEXT:
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

INTRODUCTION:
Our world is filled with pain, conflicts, broken relationships, and wounded hearts. Families are divided, communities are fractured, and nations struggle with hatred and revenge. Yet God's answer to a hurting world has never changed. It is forgiveness. Forgiveness does not deny the pain we have experienced, but it releases us from becoming prisoners of bitterness. Through Christ, we have received forgiveness, and He calls us to extend that same grace to others. Be blessed.

EXPOSITION:
1. FORGIVENESS REFLECTS THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
The greatest demonstration of forgiveness was revealed at the cross, where Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them," even while suffering unjustly. This teaches us that forgiveness is not based on the offender's actions but on God's grace working in our hearts. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ's character by extending mercy to those who have hurt us. Forgiveness does not mean approving wrongdoing or ignoring justice. Rather, it means refusing to let bitterness rule our hearts and choosing to respond with the love of Christ. When we forgive, we become living testimonies of God's transforming power and reveal His nature to a watching world. Luke 23:34; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32.

2. FORGIVENESS BRINGS HEALING TO THE HEART.
Many people carry invisible wounds caused by betrayal, rejection, disappointment, or harsh words. Left unresolved, these wounds often grow into bitterness, anger, and spiritual dryness. God's remedy is forgiveness. When we release those who have offended us into God's hands, we also release ourselves from the prison of resentment. Forgiveness restores inner peace, renews our fellowship with God, and creates room for the Holy Spirit to heal emotional and spiritual scars. A heart filled with forgiveness is stronger, healthier, and more prepared to experience God's joy and abundant life. Hebrews 12:15; Psalm 147:3; Matthew 11:28-30.

3. FORGIVENESS RESTORES RELATIONSHIPS AND GLORIFIES GOD.
God is a God of reconciliation, and He desires His children to become agents of peace wherever they are. Forgiveness lays the foundation for rebuilding broken relationships in families, churches, friendships, and communities. Although reconciliation may require genuine repentance, wisdom, and time, forgiveness should begin in the heart without delay. A forgiving believer reflects the unity of the Body of Christ and demonstrates the Gospel in practical ways. In a world filled with division and hostility, people who forgive become shining lights that point others to God's love, bringing glory to His name and hope to a hurting generation. Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Matthew 5:9.

CONCLUSION:
FORGIVEN PEOPLE ARE HEALING PEOPLE
Jesus Christ forgave us while we were still sinners. Therefore, no follower of Christ should allow bitterness to rule the heart. As we celebrate this season of forgiveness and friendship, let us choose grace over revenge, mercy over resentment, and love over hatred. A forgiven people become a healing people, and through such hearts God can heal homes, churches, communities, and nations.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, give us hearts that forgive quickly and love sincerely. Heal every broken heart, restore every damaged relationship according to Your perfect will, and make us channels of Your peace wherever we go. Let our lives reveal the beauty of Your grace. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

GOODWILL MESSAGE
May this new month be filled with God's peace, healing, favor, and overflowing mercy. As you forgive others, may the Lord strengthen you, restore all that has been broken, and grant you lasting joy and divine breakthroughs.

HAPPY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
HAVE A BLESSED NEW MONTH

JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!
REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!

This wonderful message is brought to you
With Love from Pastor M O Glorious,
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH ,
Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us @ 08055646358: 09018952081
or
peganmireAnderson Mwila.com

#HealingThroughForgiveness
#ForgiveAsChristForgave #GraceOverGrudges #PeaceBeginsWithMe #FirstSundayBlessings #NewMonthGrace #JesusSaves

Let's Talk about it.
WHICH HAS MORE POWER OVER YOUR LIFE—SIN OR GRACE?

Every professed Christian should be able to answer this question:
“Is there more power in the grace of God or in sin?”
Most Christians would answer:
“THE GRACE OF GOD HAS MORE POWER!”
But then comes the deeper question:
WHY DO MANY OF US LIVE AS IF SIN HAS MORE POWER?
This is a serious question that we must prayerfully ask ourselves every day.
We may know the truth—yet live a different reality.
We know that:
God’s grace is greater than sin.
Christ has power to save.
The Holy Spirit has power to transform.
Yet many continue living as though sin is stronger and victory is impossible.
“Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
— Romans 5:20
Praise God! Grace does not merely equal the power of sin—GRACE ABOUNDS MUCH MORE!

❶ JESUS CAME TO SAVE US FROM SIN
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people FROM their sins.”
— Matthew 1:21
Notice carefully:
Jesus did not come to save us IN our sins.
He came to save us FROM our sins.
Grace is not permission to continue in rebellion.
Grace is God’s power to forgive, deliver, transform, and lead us into obedience.
The good news is not:
“You must remain a slave to sin forever.”
The good news is:

“JESUS HAS POWER TO SET YOU FREE!”

❷ SIN ONCE RULED—BUT GRACE IS MIGHTIER
Naturally, humanity is enslaved to the power of sin.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
— Romans 6:14
Before Christ, doing wrong may seem natural and easy because sin has gained control over the heart.
But when we surrender to a mightier power, the power of God begins to reign within us.
Think about it:
If sin makes wrongdoing seem natural under its control—
Then the greater power of grace can produce righteousness under God’s control.
THE REIGN OF GRACE IS THE REIGN OF GOD IN THE SURRENDERED HEART.

❸ GRACE DOES NOT REMOVE GOD’S LAW—IT BRINGS US INTO OBEDIENCE
Some believe grace means that God’s law no longer matters.
But Scripture says:
“What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”
— Romans 6:15
Grace does not destroy God’s standard.
Grace gives power to obey God from the heart.
“Through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience.”
— 1 Peter 1:2
The law reveals what sin is.
Christ forgives the sinner.
The Holy Spirit transforms the heart.
Grace produces the obedience that human strength cannot create.

❹ GRACE COMES FROM GOD—SIN COMES FROM SATAN
Where does grace come from?
“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:2
Where does sin come from?
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.”
— 1 John 3:8
Now consider this:
God is greater than Satan.
Therefore, God’s grace is greater than the power of sin.
The reign of grace is the reign of God.
The reign of sin is the reign of Satan.
So why should we live as though the devil is stronger than our Creator?
GOD’S POWER IS GREATER THAN SATAN’S POWER!

❺ YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS
Many people desire salvation through Christ while continuing to hold tightly to the pleasures and practices of the world.
They want:
Christ as Savior—
while still allowing:
The world to rule their desires.
Sin to control their habits.
Self to remain on the throne.
But Jesus said:
“No man can serve two masters.”
— Matthew 6:24
You cannot live under the reign of grace while deliberately choosing the reign of sin.
“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
— Matthew 7:18
“The tree is known by his fruit.”
— Matthew 12:33
WE CANNOT SEEK TO BE SAVED IN THE SINS CHRIST CAME TO SAVE US FROM.

❻ WHAT YOU YIELD TO WILL RULE YOU
“To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.”
— Romans 6:16
Every day, we make a choice:
Yield to sin—and sin gains control.
Yield to Christ—and grace reigns within.
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”
— Joshua 24:15
There is no neutral kingdom.
We are either surrendering to Christ—
or allowing sin and self to rule.
❼ JESUS SHOWED US THE SECRET OF VICTORIOUS LIVING
Did Jesus find it difficult to do what was right?
Most people would answer:
“NO!”
Why?
Jesus took our human nature and experienced real temptation.
Hebrews 2:14–18
Hebrews 4:15
Yet Jesus never trusted in Himself.
“I can of Mine own self do nothing.”
— John 5:30
Jesus continually depended upon His Father.
He prayed.
He trusted.
He surrendered.
He obeyed through the power of God.
“The Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.”
— John 14:10
Christ did not overcome by trusting human strength.
HE OVERCAME THROUGH COMPLETE DEPENDENCE UPON GOD.

❽ STOP FOCUSING ON SELF—LOOK UNTO CHRIST
Many people say:
“I can never keep God’s law.”
“I will always remain defeated by sin.”
“My human weakness is too great.”
Notice what is often repeated:
“I… I… I…”
The focus remains on self, weakness, and the power of sin.
But Scripture declares:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME.”
— Galatians 2:20
The answer is not greater confidence in ourselves.
The answer is complete dependence upon Christ.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
— Hebrews 12:2
STOP LOOKING AT YOUR WEAKNESS—START LOOKING TO CHRIST’S POWER!

❾ GOD’S POWER IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM US
“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power.”
— Colossians 1:11
“His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.”
— 2 Peter 1:3
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
— Ephesians 3:20
What powerful promises!
God can strengthen us with all might.
His divine power provides everything needed for life and godliness.
He can do exceedingly abundantly above what we ask or imagine.
The power is not found in self—it is found in Christ.

❿ ABIDE IN CHRIST—AND BEAR FRUIT
Jesus said:
“Abide in Me, and I in you.”
— John 15:4
“I am the vine, ye are the branches… he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”
— John 15:5
A branch cannot produce fruit by struggling harder.
It must remain connected to the vine.
In the same way:
Prayer keeps us connected.
God’s Word renews our minds.
Faith keeps us trusting.
Surrender allows Christ to reign.
Obedience becomes the fruit of His life within us.

THE GOOD NEWS OF GRACE
Grace is greater than:
Your past.
Your strongest temptation.
Your repeated failures.
Your inherited weaknesses.
The power of sin.
The attacks of Satan.
But grace must be received through faith and allowed to reign in the surrendered heart.
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”
— Jude 1:24

GRACE IS NOT ONLY POWER TO FORGIVE—IT IS POWER TO TRANSFORM!
THE CALL TODAY
Do not merely know that grace is greater than sin.
LIVE IT.
Do not merely speak about Christ’s power.
SURRENDER TO IT.
Do not keep focusing on:
Your weakness.
Your failures.
Your past.
The power of sin.
Instead:
LOOK UNTO JESUS.
TRUST HIS PROMISES.
SURRENDER YOUR WHOLE HEART.
ABIDE IN CHRIST.
ALLOW HIS GRACE TO REIGN.
“SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU!” — ROMANS 6:14

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive me for focusing on my weakness more than Your power. Help me to stop trusting in myself and to depend completely upon You. Let Your grace reign in my heart. Break every chain of sin, transform my desires, renew my mind, and teach me to walk in obedience through faith. Help me to abide in You every day, so that Your righteousness may be revealed in my life. Keep me from falling, and let my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.