Dear Cornerstone Family,
If we can be honest, we all struggle with the topic of forgiveness. 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.
When we blow it, we all want to be forgiven by God, but when we have been wronged by someone, we want justice. The same mercy 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. God’s mercy helps us forgive others and 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 someone 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?
Pastor Ed Turley
Cornerstone Church of Poway
P.S. Check out our new mobile-friendly website!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mikie Nava:
Dear Cornerstone Family,
One of our amazing family members, Mikie Nava, is in the hospital on life support. This is a shock for everyone. Mikie was here serving and loving on people on Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, Sunday night she became very ill and called the paramedics. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. Thank you.
Lunch with the Pastor:
Are you new to Cornerstone Church? Would you like to find out more about us? Join Pastor Ed and Karen for lunch at their home this Sunday, Apr. 28 from 1-2 pm. 13738 Fairgate Drive, Poway. To rsvp, please email: church@cornerstonepoway.com
Child Dedication:
Our next Child Dedication service will be on Sunday, May 12. This is a time when a family comes and dedicates their lives to raise their child in a God-honoring, Bible-believing way (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). If you are interested in dedicating your baby or child, please call the church office or email: church@cornerstonepoway.com so that Pastor Ed can meet with you to go over your part in this service.
Family Night – Tuesdays
Come check out Family Night every Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm. Connect and meet some new friends. All ages-everyone welcome! We meet in the café for dinner, worship together, then break into small groups. The kids are in age-appropriate groups that include study and activities.(This coming Tuesday we are attending the Breakthough movie at Poway AMC theater but will resume meeting the following week here at church.)
