THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH GREAT FAITH IS BUILT

Luke 17:5 "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

        Nothing is as challenging as the battles we face emotionally when we have to choose between loving and hating someone. As a matter of fact, we have more reasons not to trust than to love.The preponderance of evil in the society has made trusting anyone in a love relationship increasingly difficult ; some persons would rather be alone than take the risk of a failed relationship.

             Observing Jesus’ approach to healing multitudes regardless of their background and creed was quite challenging to the disciples, given that some of the recipients of these healings were persons  considered to be arch enemies ;a case in point is the case of the healing of the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue in Mk 5:22, these were the persons who readily opposed Jesus Christ and eventually crucified Him  yet He was moved with compassion to heal them.       

        Jesus taught His disciples that temptations will always come (luke17:1) and woe betides the one from whom they come ; unpleasant consequences awaits anyone who treats us unjustly. The backlash far outweighs whatever evil that was meted against us. 

   It is against this backdrop that the disciples thought it wise to ask for an increase in their faith knowing how easily we are prone to retaliate when offended, they knew that walking in love and forgiveness required a lot of faith.
           The foundation of love should be based on God’s mercy and love towards the believer. There is actually no reason strong enough to maintain a loving relationship with any human being because of the exploitative and manipulative tendencies inherent in humanity as a result of the presence of sin in the flesh. The fellow seeking for a perfect lover is probably living in self denial. We offend people every day. It may amaze you to know that we offend more people unknowingly than we know and if everyone was given the opportunity to vent their anger against their offenders, the world would abruptly come to an end.  Therefore, forgiveness and love through faith are indispensable virtues needed for global peace. It is only because God first loved and forgave us that we can love and forgive others. He forgave us before we repented or asked for forgiveness. God forgave us unconditionally and those who have received this forgiveness through repentance and in faith are the sons of God.   
      The scripture admonishes us to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. God offered His forgiveness towards us while we were yet sinners. Therefore,. But only those who receive the offered forgiveness through repentance and faith are received as sons of God.

      We forgive whether or not the other person repents or wants our forgiveness and we are not to give them room to repeat the same act of evil against us by seeking for wisdom for a better relationship with such a person. It may require a businessman for instance, demanding for more accountability and transparency with an offending business partner. A Spouse may also demand for more openness in their dealings with each other. Usually, every act of infidelity often requires an atmosphere of secrecy to manifest, therefore creating a Godly environment where the word of God is the final arbiter in every disagreement makes it hard for infidelity to thrive. Until this is mutually agreed to, we cannot restore such a person to complete relationship.  ,

Prayer : Heavenly Father, forgive me of my sins against you, I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and  receive grace for emotional healing and faith for breakthroughs in Jesus name.  
  Free prayer/counseling +234 8035536911, +234 8098536911
email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 
Pics.credit: borbon.net