Dear Cornerstone Family,
This Sunday, we will wrap up our relationship building series with the topic of forgiveness. Since forgiveness doesn’t come naturally, we need to practice it daily, so we don’t let our hurts get deeply rooted. If we can be honest, we all struggle with this topic. Who do we forgive? How often do we forgive? When we forgive others, are we giving them a license to continue to hurt us?
Forgiveness. We all want it. We all want to be forgiven by God, but when someone wrongs us, we want justice. The same grace that saves us also teaches us to forgive others.
In Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT) we read, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
The reason why there is so much hurt and conflict in the world is because hurt people, hurt people. Forgiving others stops the cycle of bitterness. Sometimes we struggle with forgiveness because we think if we forgive, we minimize the offense. Sometimes we hold back because we think if we forgive, then we have to resume the relationship without change. Neither of these is true.
God does not minimize sin and He never approves of evil or abuse. Forgiving doesn’t mean you leave yourself vulnerable for the same offense. When we forgive, we acknowledge that there is only one God and judge. When we forgive, we acknowledge how much God has forgiven us and choose to let go of their offense into God’s hands of justice. We allow room for God to do His work in each person’s heart.
In Romans 12:17-19 (NIV) we read, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Is there someone you need to forgive and allow God to do His work in their hearts?
Following THE Leader with you,
Pastor Ed Turley
Cornerstone Church of Poway
UPCOMING EVENTS
Interfaith Volunteer Opportunity
Cornerstone will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless at Interfaith on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 9 am – 1 pm. We need 20 volunteers for this outreach. If you would like to help, please sign up on your connection card on Sunday or email: church@www.cornerstonepoway.com.
Operation Christmas Child
Sunday, Nov. 11 is the last day to turn in your packed shoeboxes. If you would like to participate, shoeboxes can be picked up in the courtyard. Thank you for spreading God’s love and helping bless less fortunate children around the world. For many, this will be the first gift they have ever received.
Deck The Halls
Mark your calendars and join us for our Deck The Halls church decorating event on Saturday, Dec. 1 starting at 8 am. Come and lend a hand for as long as you’d like. Together, let’s transform our church for Christmas to welcome the community. We’ve had so much fun in the years past, you won’t want to miss it! Lunch provided. For questions please contact Joshua Crandall at joshua.crandall.09@gmail.com.
Small Groups
Not in a Life Group? Would you like to make new friends, get refueled and refreshed? Check out our open small groups at www.cornerstonepoway.com/lifegroups. Our Thursday evening small group is on a break and will resume after the first of the year.
Fight Against Hunger Packaging Event
Cornerstone is partnering with the community to package food for Fight Against Hunger next Sunday, Nov. 11, from 1:00-3:30 pm. Thank you, this event is fully supported. We look forward to serving together!
