Forgivness
As children of God, forgiving others isn't an option, it is a command. As difficult as forgiving others can be it is in obedience we do so because of the forgiveness that was given to us through the sacrifice of Christ who became our sin on the cross. Even though we did not deserve it, it was given to us because of His amazing love. Music ministry will have its challenges, we are all imperfect people serving a perfect God. The challenges we face in our ministry must be done so with love, patience, and grace. We must always demonstrate the character of Christ, even in unfavorable situations. The following Scriptures that we studied this month provide instruction in how we can give God to glory by forgiving others as He has forgiven us.
1. Forgive As God Has Forgiven You
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV). How can a music minister pursue their calling if they are not walking in love and unity with one another? Having the skill to play music does not excuse us from our obligation to love people as God has commanded. Society has placed music on a pedestal that seems to give artist ungodly privileges that excuses them to treat people with love and kindness. That is not who God called us to be. A music minister is a servant of God who uses their skill to lead people in worship as they themselves submit to the perfect will of God. We are to be patient, kind, gentle, humble, forgiving each other while demonstrating the love of God to one another.
2. If We Do Not Forgive, We Will Not Be Forgiven
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV). We cannot effectively serve as music ministers if we do not forgive, this will block God's presence from our lives. How can we lead worship and seek His presence if we are deliberately refusing to forgive those who have wronged us? We can’t. Because of the fallen world that we live in, inevitably someone or something will eventually hurt us. Forgiving does not dismiss the pain and suffering that has been caused, it releases the hatred and bitterness that comes to do far greater damage if it is not dealt with. The greatest example we have of forgiveness is Christ hanging on the cross, beaten, torn, mocked, and spit on, bearing our sin and shame upon Himself that we can receive His righteousness. God Himself forgave us even when we did not deserve it, we then must also forgive others.
3. Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32, NIV). Music ministers must remember they are temples of the Holy Spirit purchased with the body and blood of Christ who gives us salvation. We no longer belong to ourselves but to God. We must live a life of holiness pursuing God in everything we do giving glory to God in how we live our lives. Obedience is better than sacrifice. We cannot offer God a sacrifice of praise on Sunday morning and live like the world the rest of the week. We are to be sanctified, set apart for the good works of God who calls us His children in Christ who redeems our souls. We must not grieve the Holy Spirit by living a life that is contrary to the will of God. Instead, as the Scriptures have stated, we must be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as Christ has forgiven us.
4. Peacemakers
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17, NIV). When facing difficult situations in our ministries, the Bible gives clear direction of how to go about resolving them when they arise. We must do all that we can to be peacemakers as God commands. The Scripture above provides us with strategy of how we can resolve issues that cannot be easily settled.
Jonathan Michelsen M.A., B.S.