Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Forgiving Debts

Reference:
The Flint Journal, "Thank God", By Kristin Longley, August 2, 2006.
http://www.freshministry.org

Keywords: Forgiveness

When Pastor Larry Holley decided to close his used car business, he forgave the debts of his customers. Holley said he received a message from God telling him to forgive the debts totaling $191,673.06, with no strings attached. About 35 customers showed up at a news conference where Holley announced his unusual decision. Amid the prayers and tears of joy, each person received the title to their car, relieving them of their loans. At the news conference, Holley said, “Did I hear an audible voice? No, it was something deep down inside of me. The least I can do is relieve people of their material or financial situations.” Holley says he hopes those who benefited will go on to relieve debts owed to them or wrongs committed against them. He added, “So it’s like a chain.”

Matthew 18:32-35 (ESV) “Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' [34] And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is an extraordinary act!
to imagine that someone - in TODAYS Society - would literally "hear" from God and let go of over $190,000?!?!

Thats AMAZING!

I pray for God's continue blessing and favor for that man, for having the courage to obey!

Anonymous said...

that is beyond commendable...

it causes me to examine how OBEDIENT would I be if God gave me that kind of instruction - and NOBODY else knew about it but me....

I'm really not sure if I'd have the courage to follow it through.
- I'm encouraged to see the faith of someone who did...