July 2023 - LPNI

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July 2023

LPNI DEVOTION

Connecting to Jesus – the Power of Forgiveness

We recently installed electricity into our home that, up to this point, has been “off grid”. The workmen ran a line from the road up to 100 feet from the house. The final step is for our electrician to install a pedestal and meter to our house. Then the power company can drill the rest of the way and connect us to the power source from the grid.

This situation reminds me of the power of forgiveness. Jesus is like our electrician. Without him, the power of forgiveness seems impossible. Forgiveness must seem to some like the transformer box 100 feet from our house. It is teeming with power, but there is no access to it. Jesus says to love your enemies. Paul says we are to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. It seems impossible; but our connection to him is the key! Turning this over to Jesus, our “divine electrician”, connects us to the source of forgiveness that does not flow from us but from him through us. Knowing his forgiveness enables us to forgive those we previously could not forgive: our enemies, those who have harmed us, and those who refuse to live in forgiveness

There is a tendency to think it is only natural to hate our enemies, to hurt those who have hurt us, and to withhold forgiveness from someone until they apologize. Jesus’ connection to us empowers us with the teeming power of God’s love. No longer is the power forgiveness at arm’s length or like it was 100 feet from where we live. It is not only in your house; it is in your heart! You are free from isolation of bitterness, anger, hatred and revenge. As his love and forgiveness enters your heart, Jesus, in exchange, takes your guilt upon himself, leaving you free to live in his holy power day and night!

Rev. Fred Zimmermann

Cross Plains, WI