Tag Archives: loving others

Letting Go of Your Past … One Article at a Time

Posted on December 12, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Every year Americans clean out their closets, dust off belongings in their attics and go through old boxes set aside in the corner of a vacant room. Inside each of these containers lie relics of the past. From my own personal experience, it’s hard to let go of favorite pieces from my past. Despite being faded, warn out, and a little small, nostalgia has prevented me from letting go of the memories associated with these clothes.

Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? 22 Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! – Matthew 18:21-22

When it comes to forgiveness, everyone has a pre-conceived notion about the right amount. During a conversation with Jesus, Peter shares his opinion. Instead of adopting a three strikes and you’re out policy, Peter feels that everyone should get seven do overs, one per day. Taking this well beyond Peter’s answer, Jesus suggests that forgiveness should be an unlimited number. Yet, when you are the one who has been afflicted, hurt, and wronged, letting go of any transgression is just as difficult, if not more.

Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). 32 And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:31-32.

Apparently, the apostle Paul addresses questions about forgiveness in a letter to Ephesus. Paul goes into details about how not letting go of past transgressions affects your soul. As this spiritual baggage builds up, bitterness spreads. This is where the 70 x 7 equation comes into play. If God forgives you as far as the east is from the west, Psalm 103:12, this infinite amount of grace should inspire you to forgive others in a similar manner. Therefore, when you are able to let go of your past, you can begin to love others as Christ loves the church.

by Jay Mankus

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Fast Pray Vote

Posted on November 3, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Over the past month, several pastors across the nation have urged their members to fast and pray in the days leading up to the 2020 Election. Pastor Jentezen Franklin started a movement known as Fast, Pray, Vote. In previous years, pastor Franklin starts the beginning of each year with a 21 day fast that he encourages his congregation to participate. Whether it’s a Daniel Fast, Media Fast or Fluid only Fast, this spiritual discipline opens hearts and minds to God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and fasted and prayed [constantly] before the God of heaven, 5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments, Nehemiah 1:4-5.

One of the most famous passages in the Bible on fasting occurs in the Old Testament.  After the Jewish exile to Babylon, Nehemiah served as one of the king’s servants. One day a messenger sent news to Nehemiah, reporting the sad state of Israel’s current condition. The wall protecting Jerusalem was broken down and the gates were on fire. Just like recent news reports of civil unrest and rioting within large metropolitan cities, broken hearts are inspiring modern Christians to also fast and pray today.

Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned, Nehemiah 1:6.

As Election Day arrives, concerned hearts feel the need to fast and pray for America’s future. In an age of political divisiveness, prayer may be the only source to unite a country divided by politics. Regardless of who is to blame for this division, the Bible urges disciples of Jesus to follow the golden rule, Matthew 7:12. However, when individuals believe in and support a candidate that offends you, loving others as God loves us is probably the last thing on your mind. Thus, if you truly want to make a difference on election day and in the years to come, Fast, Pray and Vote.

by Jay Mankus

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The Greatest Virtue

Posted on July 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As adolescents become adults, its easy to become jaded, scarred by hurtful individuals who tear others down.  In additional, certain personalities do not mesh, resulting in irritation as well as uncomfortable moments.  Throw in those hungry for control or power and you will find hearts hesitant to forgive.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, Matthew 6:14.

At the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, Jesus introduces the reciprocal aspect of forgiveness.  According to the two verses that follow, forgiveness is not received unless it is first extended to others.  Similar to the Sowing Principle, you reap what you sow, forgiveness is conditional based upon the degree in which you forgive and forget the transgressions of others.

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:15.

This perspective of forgiveness makes it one of the greatest virtues.  However, a lack of forgiveness can make it one of the most dangerous, resulting in eternal damnation.  Coping and dealing with personalities that rub you the wrong way can be excruciating, requiring extra grace to those annoying souls you encounter.  Yet, as the apostle Paul states in Colossians 3:12-14, the key to forgiveness is loving others as Christ loved us.  Therefore, ask God for a new heart, willing to forgive, forget and treat others as you want to be treated.

by Jay Mankus

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15 Minutes of Fame

Posted on December 15, 2012 by expressyourself4him


Due to the events which transpired today in Newtown, Connecticut, I have postponed Friday’s scheduled post for a day to share my insights on another tragedy in American schools.  As cable news networks cancel their regularly scheduled programs to run with this story around the clock, I will try to avoid creating a media frenzy.  Meanwhile, politicians in Washington D.C. are in ambulance chase mode once again, trying to ban guns, blaming the weapon not the shooter, jumping to conclusions before the facts of this school shooting become public.  In my humble opinion, this is another example of a copy cat killing, inspired by the attention the Portland Mall shooting drew, attempting to gain 15 minutes of fame before their death.

I wish the cable news networks would begin to follow the example of live sports productions.  In sports, when a drunk, streaker or someone trying to seek attention jumps onto the field or court, broadcasters have now decided to avoid showing this individual.  I am not saying to avoid this crime of violence, only to handle stories like these with kid gloves and not like the O.J. Simpson freeway pursuit back in the 1990’s.  Essentially, cable news networks are exploiting the students, their families and the town of Newtown to increase their viewership.  Unfortunately, positive news does not earn ratings so networks continue to press the envelope by highlighting crimes, death and violence each evening on the local news.

When experts begin appearing on television throughout this next week, revealing their spin on why school shooters occur, maybe they should consider the following reasons.  If there is so much hatred in our world, why not read a different Bible verse each day over the public address system, urging students to love one another.  If there is bitterness, division or fights within schools, why not get together to pray for a spirit of unity.  Instead of blaming others, why not hold students accountability, making each sign a contract to be responsible for upholding the rules within their school.  As a former teacher, if you expect much from your students, often they will rise to the occasion.  However, when individuals don’t have any goals, objective or standards, little results will follow.

Finally, I believe there are more factors involved than just a gun.  First, will the media consider the influences of music which breeds hatred and violence toward public officials like the police?  Second, will psychologists recognize the impact shoot-em up video games like Black Ops, Halo and Modern Warfare has had on diminishing the value of life?  Third, will experts tie violence to a lack of religion or religious beliefs?  The sad thing about today’s events is that 20 people as of now, have had their life cut short.  May God send his angels upon these families, to this school and community to minister to them in their time of need, Matthew 4:11.

by Jay Mankus

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