Tag: Forgiveness

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devotion

Triple Peace Explained

Devotion: Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Scripture

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.

Reflection

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it really means a lot in Jewish culture. Shalom is often used as a friendly greeting in the Hebrew-speaking community. It’s not just a way to say hi; it’s like wishing someone peace and happiness too. When you meet someone, especially in a Jewish setting, it’s polite to say shalom to help build a nice vibe. Using this greeting can definitely brighten up the mood and strengthen your connections with people.

Usually, feeling “at peace” goes hand in hand with being happy and just feeling good about life, where everything seems to click together nicely.. Your bills are handled, your kids are doing great, your boss is happy with you, and everyone at work is getting along just fine.

According to the Bible, peace means something different. It’s this deep kind of calm that you just can’t explain. This awesome feeling of peace can just show up when you least expect it. It doesn’t let outside stuff get in the way and feels super comforting even when you’re facing challenges.

Like when you’re sitting nervously in a hospital waiting area or trying to figure out the ups and downs of your relationships. You can totally feel the benefits of this peace without needing to understand every little thing about it. It’s like a shield that helps guard you from those heavy waves of anxiety and sadness. 

The Bible explains that there are three unique kinds of peace that you can experience when you’re justified by grace, showing just how meaningful this triple peace is. 

First off, there’s the peace of God, which gives you that calm feeling and security inside. Then, you have the peace from God, showing the blessings and comfort He shares with you when you reach out to Him. Lastly, there’s peace with God, which is all about fixing that relationship between you and your Creator. This is really important for a spiritual journey that feels meaningful.

In John 14:27, Jesus tells His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” He’s making it clear that the peace He offers is different from what you will find in the world. Unlike the temporary and shallow peace that can come and go, His peace is deep and lasting. He encourages you not to worry and to let go of your fears. This really hits home as a soothing reminder that you can find true calm through Him.

Prayer

 Father, I’ve discovered something that really matters. I don’t need a perfect life without problems to really feel at ease and find my inner peace. 

I’m putting my energy into discovering this unique sense of peace that feels like a protective wall around my thoughts and feelings, helping me to deal with the day-to-day stuff with a little more grace and understanding. 

Instead of stressing about being perfect, I’ve decided to focus on finding the peace that helps me feel good and enjoy life to the fullest. In the end, it’s this peace that helps me face whatever the day throws at me with courage.

I can’t thank You enough for the beautiful gift of grace. It really brings this awesome peace that seems to surround me all the time. 

Your grace is far more than a mere abstract concept. It really changes how I live and gives me a wonderful sense of calm and confidence each day. Feeling forgiven brings a calm that fills my whole heart and mind that is beyond human understanding. I feel really grateful for this amazing experience that brightens up my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotion is taken from my book, 33 Days of Daily devotion. If you like to have a free copy of this book click on the link below:

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Dr Andrew C S Koh

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devotion

The Power of Forgiveness: Finding Peace Within

Devotion: Passing the Cup

Scripture

And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32.

Reflection

Imagine grace as a vibrant river that flows through you, giving you what you need, instead of being a quiet pond that stays put next to you and your feelings. 

When you finally understand the depth of God’s forgiveness to you, it will seriously alters how you feel about those who annoy, hurt, or let you down during your life. 

Just because you decide to let go of the grudge doesn’t mean you’re saying what they did to you was right or should be brushed under the rug.

You’re making a real effort to shake off the emotional baggage they gave you, just like how Christ has taken away the emotional baggage of your sins.. 

If you keep being bitter and resentful, you’re locking yourself up in a prison of your own making. Your bad vibes and thoughts hold you captive. 

When you actively choose to forgive people who had messed up with you, you’ll realize that you’re the one who ends up feeling good about it all. 

Letting go of that bitterness not only helps you ditch the anger but also opens the door to healing and becoming a better version of yourself. Ultimately, embracing forgiveness can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence. 

Matthew 6:14-15 really hits the point that forgiveness matters a lot. It tells that when you forgive others, God will forgive you too. Letting go of what others have done to you can be tough, but if you do, God will be happy to forgive you as well. Holding onto those bad feelings keeps you from receiving God’s grace, so it’s better to release them.

Meditation

Reflect on a moment when someone did you dirty, leaving a mark on your heart and mind. Spend a moment to connect with all those feelings around that painful experience and really feel how heavy that grudge is.

Envision yourself in a nice chill moment where you’re finally letting go of that heavy “debt” you’re carrying, sharing it with God and honestly saying, “I choose to forgive because You forgave me first, and I really want that grace to shine in my life.” 

Allow yourself to truly experience the relief that comes from letting go of anger and resentment by embracing the strength and change that forgiveness brings. 

Taking a leap like this lets you let go of any bitterness that’s been weighing you down and helps you realize just how grateful you should be for those amazing moments that life has thrown your way.

Click the link below and get a free ebook “Ephesians: Every Spiritual Blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”

https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/ac8d13f6-7931-11ec-afb2-93d74e05b123

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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bible study devotion

Forgiveness and Grace

Devotion: “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.” Philemon 1:17

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This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and treating others with kindness, just as you would welcome a close friend. It reminds us to treat others with the grace and compassion we wish to receive, fostering empathy and love. It highlights the importance of embodying the Master’s values to create a respectful and welcoming community. Such teachings inspire us to uplift one another, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and cherished.

In his letter to Philemon, Apostle Paul urges him to welcome his runaway servant, Onesimus, as a beloved brother in Christ, rather than just a returning slave. Philemon 1:17 emphasizes key themes in Christian relationships, focusing on forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation among believers. Paul encourages us to change how we view and treat others, fostering love and unity in our communities. It reminds us to show grace to one another in our faith journeys.

Paul urges Philemon to see Onesimus as a brother, just as he would see Paul himself. Paul highlighted that Onesimus had changed from being a slave to a fellow believer and a genuine partner in the gospel. This verse emphasizes the transformative power of viewing others through Christ’s perspective, recognizing their true worth beyond societal labels. Paul asked Philemon not only to forgive Onesimus but also to accept him as a fellow believer and to share in the grace he had received.

Onesimus was seen by society as just a runaway slave who owed Philemon money and might face serious consequences. Christ’s transformative power redefines societal labels, rendering all distinctions based on status or history irrelevant in Him. The gospel’s main message encourages us to love and respect everyone we meet, regardless of their background or past. Paul’s reminder to Philemon, “as you would me,” emphasizes that true partnership in Christ transcends hierarchies, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and equality.

This verse prompts us to take a deep, introspective look at our own hearts and the relationships we maintain with those around us. It prompts us to reflect on how often we hold grudges, judge others for past mistakes, and label people as “worthy” or “unworthy” based on unfair criteria. Christ invites us to accept and embrace each other, not based on our worthiness, but on His unlimited grace. Just as Paul encouraged Philemon to graciously welcome Onesimus, we should also show grace to others, especially those we find hard to love.

This means we are called to forgive those who have wronged us, to offer second chances to those who may have faltered or made mistakes, and to endeavor to see others through the compassionate lens of Christ, recognizing that they are inherently loved and accepted by Him. The gospel message emphasizes that salvation includes loving others and seeking reconciliation, reflecting God’s love and forgiveness.

Reflection:

Do you have people in your life whom you find it hard to accept or forgive? How can you try to see them the way Jesus would?

How can you involve and motivate others to share the good news, regardless of their background or past actions?

How does the love and forgiveness that Jesus has shown you make you want to love and forgive others?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your kindness and forgiveness shown to me through Jesus. I ask for Your guidance in extending that same grace to others, enabling me to view them with compassion and understanding. Help me not to focus on their past mistakes or societal status, but to recognize them as cherished children of God deserving of love. Please help me embrace the profound call to reconciliation, encouraging me to love others selflessly as You have so generously loved me. Help me to actively engage as a true partner in the Gospel, spreading Your message of hope and redemption. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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Eternal Hope

Jesus Christ, Savior of the World

Excerpt


Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, lived a life of love, service, and humility. His teachings continue to shape lives today, offering hope, forgiveness, and grace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way to eternal life, transforming hearts and minds for generations. Discover His timeless message.

Son of God

Jesus Christ stands at the center of history as the most influential and transformative figure ever known. For Christians around the world, He is not just a historical figure. He is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is God in a human body. He is the revelation of God to humanity.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”, John 1:14.

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known”, John 1:18.

He is also the ultimate example of Love, Grace, and Truth. His life, death, and resurrection have forever changed humanity, offering hope, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.

The Life of Jesus

Born over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, Jesus lived a humble life in Nazareth as the son of a carpenter. He began His public ministry at the age of 30. He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. From that moment, Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom of God, calling people to repentance and faith.

During His ministry, Jesus performed miracles—healing the sick, raising the dead, calming storms, exorcising demons, and feeding multitudes. These miracles were signs of His divine authority, but His primary message was love, forgiveness, and grace. He reached out to the marginalized, the broken, and the forgotten, embodying His teaching of radical compassion.

His Teachings

The teachings of Jesus, particularly those recorded in the Gospels, have shaped the moral framework of societies around the world. At the heart of His message is love—love for God and love for others. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love Him with all your soul and with all your mind.” He then added, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life“, John 3:16.

Jesus challenged cultural norms by teaching love for enemies, the forgiveness of wrongs, and the importance of peacemaking. His parables inspire us to show mercy. Examples include the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. They encourage us to seek reconciliation. These teachings stay relevant today. Many individuals and movements across the world draw inspiration from Jesus’ example to promote justice, kindness, and equality.

His Death and Resurrection

The ultimate act of love came through His death on the cross. Betrayed by one of His disciples, He was arrested. He was falsely accused. He was sentenced to die by crucifixion. This execution was brutal and shameful in the ancient world. But His death was not just a tragedy; for Christians, it was the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death and offering eternal life to all who believe. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and the promise of new life. This belief continues to give hope and comfort to millions, especially in times of suffering and uncertainty.

His Impact on the World

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have had an immeasurable impact on the world. They have shaped entire civilizations. They have also influenced culture, art, law, and social justice. His teachings have inspired countless individuals to pursue lives of service and compassion. From hospitals founded in His name to global humanitarian efforts rooted in His example, Jesus’ legacy continues to transform lives.

Even in contemporary times, His message is still relevant. Consider the stories of people who have experienced personal transformation through His teachings. One modern example is Jeanette, who found hope and healing after battling addiction. Through faith in Jesus, she found not only forgiveness, but a new sense of purpose. She eventually opened a rehabilitation center to help others break free from the chains of substance abuse. This is just one of many stories where lives have been changed by the power of His message.y

The Personal Relevance of Jesus Today

In a world filled with fear, division, and uncertainty, Jesus offers peace, hope, and unity. His teachings offer a guide for navigating life’s challenges. They do this not only through faith but also by living with love, humility, and grace. Many people today find personal strength in Jesus’ words. They find this strength whether they are facing personal struggles, loss, or the anxieties of daily life.

For those looking for purpose and meaning, Jesus’ invitation remains simple. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His message of unconditional love and grace is timeless. It offers peace in the midst of turmoil. It also provides hope for a brighter future.

Making His Message Accessible

While Jesus’ teachings are profound, they can also be simplified for wider understanding. Concepts like grace and salvation are foundational to Christian belief. They are essentially about God’s love for us—undeserved, unconditional, and transformative. Salvation through Jesus means receiving forgiveness for our mistakes. It also promises a renewed life, free from guilt or fear.

His parables—simple stories like the Sower and the Seed or the Lost Sheep—illustrate deeper truths in ways anyone can understand. This is why Jesus’ teachings resonate across cultures and generations. Breaking down these theological concepts into everyday language helps more people connect with His message. It allows His message to inspire change in their lives.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ is more than a historical figure. He is the Savior of the world. He offers love, grace, and eternal hope to all who believe. His life, death, and resurrection continue to inspire and transform lives today, just as they did over two millennia ago. In a world hungry for peace, His message of love and forgiveness offers the greatest gift: salvation and eternal life.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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bible study devotion

Charge it to my account: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

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Philemon: 10-25

Philemon is a story of providence. Onesimus escaped to Rome and met the great apostle Paul. Paul saved his soul and gave him a new life, a new faith, a new hope, and a new beginning. Reconciled to his old master Philemon and freed from slavery, he served his new master Jesus Christ. 

Philemon 10-25

10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 14 But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 15 For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 But if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. 22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Philemon:10-25

Reflection

Paul converted, mentored, and adopted Onesimus as his spiritual godson. Onesimus in Greek means useful. Note the wordplay. The Greek word for useless is “achreston”. The Greek word for useful is “euchreston”. Onesimus, (useful), who was once useless (achreston) to Philemon was now useful (euchestron) to him. 

When he knew that Onesimus ran away from Philemon, he quickly sent Onesimus back to him. He urged Philemon to extend his right hand of fellowship to Onesimus.  

Paul wanted to keep Onesimus but not without Philemon’s blessing. Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ and set him free. In the first-century world, a runaway slave had committed a capital crime. Paul took a risk by sending Onesimus back. Onesimus could face capital punishment. 

Paul told Philemon to charge all of Onesimus’s crimes into his (Paul’s) account reminding him (Philemon) that he owed him (Paul) his soul. Paul emphasised that he hand-wrote this letter. 

Paul urged Philemon to forgive and release Onesimus. Paul requested Philemon to pray for his own release and prepare a guest room for him

Paul was a team player with a personal touch. He sent greetings from Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. Epaphras was also a prisoner in Rome. He pronounced a blessing of grace to Philemon. 

Application

Onesimus ran away from his master. Have you run away from your master Jesus Christ? If you have, you must come back to Him and be useful to Him again, 1 John 1:9. 

No matter what circumstances you may be facing today it will eventually work for good in your favour. You may not see it now but you will see it in the future, Romans 8:28. 

You and I are sinners before a Holy God. We owed a debt of sin to God that we could never repay. Jesus Christ paid for our sin debt 2000 years ago, when He died on the cross. Jesus charged our debt of sin into His account.

According to tradition, Philemon forgave and freed Onesimus and he became a bishop of Ephesus. Onesimus was arrested, tortured, and martyred for his faith.

Jesus Christ forgave us. He restored us to fellowship when we come back to him in repentance.

Romans 6: 23, “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord’’.

2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the epistle of Philemon. Thank You for the promise of Romans 8:28. Thank You for the forgiveness of sins, salvation by grace, justification by faith in Christ, sanctification, and the gift of eternal life. We pray for those who have run away from You to return back to You and be useful to You in the kingdom again, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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Dr Andrew C S Koh