Category: Discipleship

Does forgiveness need to be expressed to the other person?

RT Kendall’s book used to be considered the classic textbook for Christians on forgiveness.  One of his main arguments was that forgiveness was primarily about the heart attitude of the offended.  One of his key bits of advice was that if someone had offended you and you had truly forgiven them then you would not… Continue reading Does forgiveness need to be expressed to the other person?

Forgiveness and reconciliation may not always mean a return to normal

A boyfriend completely forgets his girlfriend’s birthday and goes out with his mates for a drink instead. It’s not the first time he has let her down.  She decides to break off with him.  At the time he expresses sorrow, buys her flowers, chocolates and concert tickets but she sees through the remorse, this isn’t… Continue reading Forgiveness and reconciliation may not always mean a return to normal

Exploring Forgiveness and Repentance

I’ve been writing a little recently about forgiveness. It arises out of our recent studies from the Sermon on the Mount. It also relates to some other things I have written recently about our pastoral responsibilities to victims of abuse and to those accused. So, I was interested to see the other day that my… Continue reading Exploring Forgiveness and Repentance

Grace Culture – the importance of swift repentance and forgiveness

I believe that a grace culture is one where we are quick to seek forgiveness, express sorrow and repentance, to offer forgiveness and to seek reconciliation.  This reflects the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount which is all about what it means to be saturated in God’s love and grace so that we enjoy… Continue reading Grace Culture – the importance of swift repentance and forgiveness

Angry at God? (4) The trouble with me

What is one of the most significant root causes of anger? I want to suggest that it often comes down to my desire to be in control. We often get angry when things happen that we hadn’t planned for and that we can’t do anything about. We become frustrated because our plans for life are… Continue reading Angry at God? (4) The trouble with me

Angry at God? (3) The root cause of my anger

Sometimes someone is in so much physical pain that they cannot tell where the pain is coming from. It seems to come from everywhere. When someone is in that much pain, it is very difficult to get close to help.  This can be true with emotional pain too. You hurt so much, you cannot remember… Continue reading Angry at God? (3) The root cause of my anger

Angry at God ?(2) What to do with my anger

Yesterday I looked at the question “Is it right to be angry with God?” Today, I want to think a little further about what we do with that anger when we experience it.  Here are some thoughts. Take time to pour out your heart to God being open about how you are feeling.  You may… Continue reading Angry at God ?(2) What to do with my anger

What should we look for in missions presentations?

This post is prompted a little by Steve Kneale’s article where he describes sitting through a missions’ sermon.  It got me thinking a little about what we expect in and from a missions talk. So often the aim of a such a presentation (aside from sharing specific prayer points) tends to be about persuading me… Continue reading What should we look for in missions presentations?

Why is there a stigma about mental health issues and suicide?

If I called in sick with a broken ankle, a severe bout of flu (genuine flu not man-flu)  or because I was due serious surgery, you would probably think nothing of it. Yet, despite all of the progress in our understanding of mental health, we still have a problem with its stigma. Why is that? … Continue reading Why is there a stigma about mental health issues and suicide?