Another Chapter Closed (20080723)
Over the course of the past 2 1/2 to 3 years I’ve come to notice a pattern to how God is working in my life with regard to how I’ve treated others in the past. I’ve been hurtful, envious, lashed out with a vengeful heart, as well as covetous in my previous “incarnation”. None of these things we’re truly evident for what they were in my life until I turned to God. Since turning however, God has made it quite clear of when and where I’ve royally messed up.
My experiences have shown that when you turn to God, you’re going to be hit with some realities about the true condition of your heart. You start to see the bigger picture of where your sins led you, and the consequences; how they negatively impact not only yourself and your relationship with God but with others as well. For me it’s been a slow and methodic process of recognizing areas that I’ve sinned in the past, recognition by way of God’s Holy Spirit speaking to the heart. At least in my walk with Christ, that’s the way He’s dealt it. Instead of revealing all of the major offenses/ wrongs I’ve committed at once, He’s sort of laid ‘em out over a 3 - 4 period; a merciful act I guess you could say. The recognition 
itself however means nothing without resolve to act on what’s said about your heart.
About a month ago, I was laying around, not really having anything on my mind (we guys are good at this), when I remembered a past transgression committed from about 5 years ago. Once recalling the event I realized in my heart what needed to be done, an apology was in order; a plea for forgiveness from a wronged fellow human being.
On and off, more off than on; I spent the past few weeks trying to locate this person that I’d crossed. The first few early attempts ended with no leads as to where to locate the person, I had some general info, but nothing concrete. A few calls here and there netting nothing. Due partially to frustration I put the issue on the back burner… until this past week. God may not force Himself on an unbeliever, however I think His Holy Spirit knows how to persistently hammer away on a foot dragging believer. 
Wednesday evening, about an hour prior to heading off to church, I was “motivated” again by the Holy Spirit to reconcile, so I did some digging around again and eventually got the right lead. Numbers were exchanged and within the hour was a call from the person that I needed to make things right with. As it turned out, my expectations of how this was gong to play out, were way off. No cussing and fussing, no accusations or malice, just a receptive ear on the other end that accepted my apologies. The manner in which the offended handled the situation was nothing short of graceful, something I hope to be able to reciprocate if on the receiving end of an offense. As I close, it occurs to me how the associated thoughts of my wrongs have now become more disassociated with who I am becoming.
Hebrews 9:14
14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Grace and peace be with you.
] that kind of parallels these same thoughts of mine. No… I don’t believe it’s that the 
