JOE: Welcome to FJM TV. I'm Joe Jordan. I'm here today with Gina
Thompson and my wife Kris Jordan. And we're, again, so
excited to be able to share with you from God's Word today. So
just some thoughts, some of His Word and some of our experiences
on this subject today that we're going to talk about because it's
a really deep subject. But we're going to try to do our best with
God's help and His Holy Spirit guiding this time to share some
thoughts on forgiveness and how forgiveness is difficult. It's
difficult to get sometimes. It's difficult to receive. It can be
a difficult subject, but I think today might enlighten you a
little bit with God's view on forgiveness and how it really
works in His realm. And maybe we can get some of those tips and
use 'em in our world and our relationships. Because I'll tell
you, if we don't kind of look at God's perspective on this and we
look at our own, I don't think we're going to be forgiving too
many people here on this earth. So let's look at what God has to
say. But before we get started, again, 80 years. 80 years of
Fred Jordan Mission serving the poor, the needy, the hungry,
and the homeless on Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles. It's the
homeless capital. And for 80 years we have been doing that.
We celebrate from '44 to '24, that this year is 80 years of
serving others. And I'm excited about it just because, you know,
my father started it and it's such a great legacy, and to be
able to be called by God to carry it on. My father started
and then he went to be with Jesus after my mom and dad ran
it for all those years, and then my mom for 35 or so years, and
then some things with her and health issues. But she's
watching today. I know. Hi mom, we love you so much. Everybody
loves Willie Jordan, and so we're so grateful that you're
still here and we know that you're praying for us today and
rooting for us and just believing in us. And so I
appreciate that, Mom. And also for FJM TV, started as church in
the home in 1951, and here we are, a part of a weekly
television program, bringing the hope and the gospel into
people's homes or now iPads, iPhones, or wherever they
stream it or watch it. But for 73 years we've been able to
share God's love. GINA: What a testament of the
faithfulness of this ministry. And, you know, many people
that are watching and they watch shows like this and
we're asking for your financial help. They could be a little
hesitant. But 80 years of faithfulness, feeding those
that are hungry and that are hurting and thousands of lives
over 80 years that have been changed. And we want you to
be a part. We've got a wonderful... our 80 year as you
just said, and there's so many wonderful things happening
this year. We want you to be a part. We want you to come and
volunteer. We need your financial support, we need your
prayers, and you just need to go to FJM.org, see how you can get
involved, and also find us on social media. It's a fun group
over there on our Instagram and Facebook. And so come and say
hi. We'd love to hear from you. And also, you have a wonderful
scripture. I love it. It's a text on the phone. It's a verse
and a great word of encouragement. It's short, but
it's powerful and I love it because it's on the phone. You
can just always, like, if you're having a moment or you're
sharing with someone, you can just, "oh yeah, and this is what
this scripture is." And you just simply need to text the word
Bible to 626-314-7703 and get your daily text from Joe today.
JOE: Yeah. And social media, just go to @FJMissions, and you
can go to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. We're on all the
different platforms, but we'd love to just stay connected with
you and show you what we do. And again, we're just so excited to
be a part of this legacy. And it's eternal. That's what really
makes a difference. And, you know, with the help that we
provided out in the Coachella Valley this last year and all
the other ministries that we give tons of, like, hundreds and
hundreds a year of product and pallets of food and stuff to, we
served well over a half a million people last year. And I
think it was almost 400,000 just on Skid Row at the Mission, was
the number that I heard at the end of last year. And so we're
going to continue that. The needs continue to grow. So we
need you, we love you. But today, let us just talk to you a
little bit about forgiveness and encourage you and just look at
God's word, because biblical forgiveness is the act of
basically pardoning an offender. The Greek word in the
translation really just simply says, forgiveness literally
means to let go. Well, I'll just tell you, I found it really
difficult to let go of people who have offended me and hurt
me, betrayed me in my life. It's not as easy to just let go. But
the Bible says that biblical forgiveness lets go of things
and lets go to where you don't hold it against people anymore.
So we're going to be talking about that, because it's not an
easy subject. And forgiveness also means many different things
to many different people. But in general, biblical forgiveness is
an intentional decision to let go of resentment, anger, the
offense that someone brings against us, bitterness. And some
people even believe at times that forgiveness is weakness,
but I don't think so, and the Bible doesn't say that. But
letting go and letting an undeserving person off easy is
really not the way to think about it, because I just know
for my own life that when I don't forgive someone that hurts
me or betrays me or does something wrong, it ruins me.
They might not even think. "Joe who? Joe Jordan? I did what?"
They don't even- They might offend you and move on with life
and they're just living happy, and you're sitting here just
seething with this hurt and angry and, you know, bitterness
and it's just- it's not it's not good. So believe me and trust
me, and I'm sure you guys will have plenty to say on this,
giving forgiveness and forgiving people even when they don't
repent or they don't apologize or they're not sorry, we need to
give forgiveness just for our own sake. And I just want to
share this last thought on this, is that forgiveness is an act of
our will. We don't forgive someone because the person
deserves to be forgiven always. Forgiveness is an act of love,
mercy and grace. Forgiveness is a decision that we make not to
hold something against another person despite what they may
have done to us. It's a decision. So love. Yow know, one
of my thoughts that I'd like to hear from you, and I'm sure
the viewers would, is why do you think it's so hard to
forgive others? KRIS: That's a loaded question.
I think it's hard because, you know, when we read the scripture
and God commands us to forgive, I mean, it's not an option. It's
like, this is a command. And a lot of times when somebody has
hurt us deeply, the thought of being commanded to forgive them
feels violating. I mean, just being real. It's like, wait, I'm
the victim. You hurt me, and yet You are commanding me
to forgive them. And I think it's hard because that's how it
can feel. It feels like a violation. I think another
reason why forgiveness is hard is because in our minds, it
almost makes us feel like, if I forgive that person for what
they did, then I'm saying what they did was okay. And that's
not what forgiveness is at all. But that's I think sometimes
how it can feel to us. But something that I've learned, you
know, I mean we've been together 35 years, there's been a lot of
instances where we've had to forgive each other even, you
know, for things that we've done and said. But one of
the things I've learned is that, you know what? Forgiveness-
We don't forgive somebody because necessarily they deserve
it. We forgive somebody because we deserve to be free from the
hurt and the pain and the anger. And I think that's what God-
what's behind God's command to forgive is because He doesn't
want us bound up, like what you were saying. Don't want us bound
up with bitterness and anger and just seething when you see that
person, you're like, hrmph, you know? it's because we deserve
to be free from what they did to us that was not okay. And,
you know, and it's also, you touched on this earlier, it's
God's way of helping us heal.
GINA: That's right. KRIS: And it's through
forgiveness, you know, and that's huge. But, you know,
there's this famous saying, I don't know who came up
with it, but people who want to hold onto unforgiveness, it's
that famous saying that says, "harboring unforgiveness is like
drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." And
like what you were saying, forgiveness is for us, not that
other person. Because they may not- they may not even know that
they did anything. They're going on with their life and we're
sitting here just... you know. And so its just- It's a healing.
It's God's healing mechanism. GINA: Yeah. It's more for us,
you know? They say the heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.
And when you really get down to the bottom of it, unforgiveness,
bitterness, all of that is like hatred. You know, and like you
said, it's just a poison within ourselves. And, you know, I
always know when I'm not been truly forgiven, because if that
person's name has been brought up or, you know, you're just,
like you said, you're like, hrmph, you know? But the one
thing I have learned that God has taught me, it's in the
scripture too, it says put on love. Even when we don't feel
loving. But as I release that forgiveness, I have to say at
the same time, God bless them. God, you know, go with them,
heal that area in their life. And just... even though I don't
feel it, you know, but just say it because there's power, you
know, in our words, and there just becomes freeing within
myself that I'm feeling as I'm doing that, as I'm releasing
that, you know, unforgiveness. And if there's one thing I know
that I know that I know that even if I don't hear it from
that person or I see anything happening in their life, I can
rest assure that God is working in their life. Vengeance is
mine, sayeth the Lord. And He's working out behind the scenes
in the details. So you just let it go, give that forgiveness
and let God work on that other person and be free ourselves.
KRIS: And I love what you said too. Sometimes when we're
struggling to forgive someone, maybe we're not there yet. I
think one of the ways that we can get there is praying for God
to bless that person. Not, Lord get 'em, but Lord, bless them,
you know, whatever that- And that does something to our
heart. So I love that you said that. That is true.
GINA: I've experienced that for sure.
KRIS: Yeah. Haven't we all.
JOE: And that's a saying that many of us as Christians say,
let go and let God. Because if we let go, God can do all the
rest of the work in our lives and in their lives. I just want
to clarify real quick, when my wife was talking about in 35
years we've had to forgive each other quite a bit. Well, I just
want you to know, mostly Kris having to forgive me. So anyway,
we'll be right back.
ANNOUNCER: It's that time of year, as school bells ring
across the nation with kids of all ages ready to go back to
school wearing brand new clothes, tennis shoes,
backpacks, a fresh haircut and smiles from ear-to-ear. However,
consider the contrast with the kids in those communities
affected by poverty that have no other options, no choices but to
wear the hand-me-downs, the torn clothes, the shoes that are too
small or too big and dirty, or cradling a paper bag used to
carry their school supplies. Fred Jordan Missions looks to
change that for kids headed back to school once again this year
at the annual Back to School Extravaganza. It's truly a party
on Skid Row, and we need your help to throw it. As FJM gives
hundreds of brand new shoes from the Foot Locker, fresh, clean,
new clothes, new backpacks and new school supplies, and yes,
even haircuts to the kids of Skid Row and the surrounding
areas. We love the huge smiles and big hugs and even the tears
of joy as precious kids pick out new shiny shoes, stock up on
needed school supplies and even select a brand new backpack. We
invite you to be a part of this party and support this event
with the financial gift, great or small. Your best gift will
make a difference in the life of a child heading back to school.
To give safe and secure online, go to FJM.org or send a chat to
FJM, box 12345, Covina, California 91722. Do it now
while it's on your heart. All gifts, no matter what the size,
are so needed and greatly appreciated. God bless you.
JOE: Well, welcome back. We're talking about forgiveness today
and how challenging it can be at times and, you know, how the
offenses of it can be so hurtful also at times. And, you know,
there's just a lot to it. There's a lot of motion
involved, and it can be hard. Especially with those you love,
you know, it makes it worse. If a stranger just comes up and
hits you in the back of the head with a hammer, it's one thing,
but, you know, someone you love can say something not very nice
to you and it can, like, just rip your whole world apart. So
we wanted to just take some time and look at God's Word and look
at what Jesus shows us about this subject of forgiveness and
what He did. And the greatest thing I think, ladies, on this
is how Jesus showed us the ultimate forgiveness when He
died on the cross for our sins. And not only does Jesus forgive
us of our sins, trespasses, transgressions, and all that
rotten wickedness, but it also wipes it off our record forever
when we believe and receive Him. You know, Jesus said in John
19:30, these couple of words, "it is finished." And I'm so
grateful for that. He didn't even- Kind of just makes me
emotional right now thinking about it. "It is finished."
Everything that we need, everything we will ever need,
it's finished. Jesus did it on the cross when He died for you,
when He died for me, when He died for the world; He did it
all. And when it was done, He said, "it is finished." If you
want true forgiveness for all the sins that you've committed
against God, our creator; if you want that true freedom and
peace; if you want that true, just, wiped clean slate; I like
to say it like this. And I used to teach our kids in all of our
youth programs and stuff at the ministry, where, you know, a
chalkboard... some of you are younger, so I guess, you know,
you would use maybe a black- a whiteboard or whatever. But
chalkboards were really special growing up because, you know, it
was the white chalk. And you'd write on it and you'd write on
it. And my chalkboard in my room that God had for me was really
big. And so he would write and write and write. But when I
asked forgiveness of my sins; Jesus come into my heart. I'm
sorry, I'm a sinner. I need you as a savior. Forgive me. He
wiped them clean. But I don't know if you remember, but if
you're old enough to remember a whiteboard, when you wipe it
with that eraser, there was still a mist. You could still
see what the teacher wrote the day before up there. But if you
take a wet, I mean a sopping wet towel or rag, and you wipe a
chalkboard, every bit of the dust, every bit of the chalk
dust, every bit of anything you could see there, it makes that
blackboard black again. There is no more sin specs there at all.
And I like to say it like this, is that Jesus took all of our
sins, or can take all of your sins, even today, if you ask
forgiveness, and He will wipe that chalkboard and all those
sins away, never to remember them again, but He does it with
the blood of Jesus. And that's why He died. It is finished.
Jesus' death on the cross paid the ultimate price for our sins.
And when He said it was finished, He meant it. Nothing
left to do, nothing left to pay. We don't have to do anything
except say yes. He paid it all totally, completely and
permanently. And that's so key to really just know that God's
gracious forgiveness for our sins is available to all of us.
And how grateful we should be. And then forgiveness is a key
part of this life to all of us who have faith and trust in
Jesus. In fact, in Ephesians 4:32, it says this, "Be kind and
compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as
Christ forgave you." I used to think, how can I not forgive
somebody who sins against me, trespasses against me, does
something wrong against me? Jesus forgave me. How can I hold
forgiveness back? And I always remember reading that Ephesians
passage. Forgive each other just as Christ forgave you. Jesus
forgave me, I need to give forgiveness. But not always
easy. So Gina, how can we forgive someone when they're
not sorry for what they did?
GINA: Yeah, you may never get that "I'm sorry," and- but
that's okay. That's for God to deal with them. You've got to,
like we said, let go and let God. But then, what always rings
in my ear is, if I'm not forgiving, God's not going to
forgive me. You know, even though He's a compassionate and
forgiving God, He holds us accountable to that forgiveness.
Why? To set us free. Why? To have a better relationship with
Him. And I love what you were saying. It's just- No matter if
anyone ever, that's around us in our lives ever acknowledge that,
you know, we've asked for forgiveness or we've given that
forgiveness, but knowing that God has wiped it clean for
ourselves in our hearts, just sets us free, helps us to be all
that we can be, all that He's called us to be and move forward
in our relationship with Him. And that's the number one thing
I think the enemy wants to do, is trip us up, get us focused on
that hurt and pain, focused on the guilt and shame; and that
just cuts us off from moving forward with the Lord and His
desires for us to grow in Him and be all that He's called
us to be. JOE: Yeah. And, love, what do
you think about that? How- I mean, how do you forgive
someone when they're not sorry? When they're not repentant?
KRIS: You know, it's hard, not going to lie. It's a tough one.
But, you know, the thing with- the thing with forgiveness and
when God calls us to forgive is it's not dependent on the other
person because it's a heart issue. You know, when someone's
offended me, it's now something I need to deal with and it has
nothing to do with them. Now, they may apologize, they may
repent; that'd be great. But what about the people that never
do, like you were saying? Does that take us off the hook of
having to forgive them? No. And so it's really just a matter of,
you release them to the Lord, you get it out of your heart so
that you're not holding that person prisoner, you know. That
you release it to the Lord and you're like, you know what,
Lord, I'm letting this go. I release this person to you, and
Lord, I'm asking that you would deal with them. Bring them to
repentance, show them what they've done so that they can
see it and then, you know, make things right. But the other
component that I don't think a lot of people talk about when it
comes to forgiveness is forgiveness is different than
reconciliation. You know? Forgiveness doesn't require
anything from the other person, but reconciliation does, it
requires repentance. Because unless there's- If there isn't
repentance in a relationship, then that fellowship is broken
and it doesn't just magically repair without that other
person, you know, acknowledging what they've done. And so I
think that's where people might get confused. It's like, well,
I'm not going to forgive because I don't want to be back in
relationship with them, or they've done me wrong too many
times and I don't want to have anything to do with them. It has
nothing to do with that. God's not calling you to reconcile
with someone who's, you know, not... whatever. But He does
call us to forgive, whether that person ever acknowledges
it or not. GINA: And I love what you said
was so, so powerful, because sometimes, you know, it's a
matter of our hearts, in our hearts. Like if someone's saying
something to me, and maybe it's so offensive to me, but
it's really not that big of a deal, and I think, why am I so
upset about that? And we can be like, you know, we feel like
we're, you know, being attacked by everyone or I'm not going
to be forgiving. But just to take a moment and say, hey,
why did that bother me so much? Go within our hearts and search
our hearts on what God is doing and let Him do it. Get rid of
all of that, you know, and just ask yourself, why did that hurt
my feelings? Why am I so sensitive to that? And God
will show you. JOE: He will. His word, again in
kind of closing on this, it says in Colossians 3:13, "Bear with
each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against
one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you." And the
Bible is very clear that we're just not to keep records of
wrongs. And as Christians, when we refuse to forgive somebody
and we demonstrate resentment and bitterness and anger and
everything, how can we expect our faith to grow and how can
we really expect and please God? So God promises that when we
come to Him and confess our sins and ask forgiveness, He
forgives us. We see it in 1 John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, He
is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us
from all unrighteousness." If you need Jesus today, just close
your eyes and say, Jesus, I'm a sinner. I need a savior. I
believe you died for my sins on the cross. Come into my heart.
Come into my life. Forgive me, help me to forgive others as
well and be my Lord and Savior in Jesus' name.
We'll be right back.
ANNOUNCER: If you ever visit the streets of Skid Row in Los
Angeles, you will see ragged tents, compromised E-Z ups,
which is someone's home. If you walk down the streets of Skid
Row, you'll pass dirty blankets or old newspapers lying on top
of broken wooden palettes, which is someone's bed. If you come to
the corner of Fifth and Towne, you'll see people lined up to
join team Jesus for a hot meal in our dining room or a time of
song and worship in our chapel. What you also see at Fred Jordan
Mission is smiles and hugs and hear wonderful stories of love
and care. Serving those on Skid Row for 80 years, feeding
millions of meals, caring for the saint and the sinner by
declaring the goodness of God through love and action. Please
continue to give right now while it's fresh on your heart. Pick
up your phone or your tablet, go to your computer and type
FJM.org. It is there you can give a generous gift to help us
continue what we have been doing for 80 years.
JOE: Thanks for being with us today. You know, every day on
Skid Row, there are people walking around who feel beat up
and battered, and like the world has just come against them, and
there's no one on their side. But that's where we come in as
Fred Jordan Mission, and have for 80 years. We are there to
say, God loves you. God forgives you. Just give Him your heart
and your life. He will change you. And He does. We've seen
thousands come to know Jesus and find eternal life because of
what we do, declaring and demonstrating His love. Stand
with us today. We need you more than ever. God bless you.
ANNOUNCER: FJM Mission has been giving hope to those on Skid Row
for over 80 years, and we need your help to continue declaring
and demonstrating the love of God. Donate right now online at
FJm.org. Or if a stamp and snail mail is more your style, then
please send your check to FJM 12345, Covina, California 91722.
Thank you.
FEMALE: (Singing) We will overcome this sorrow. We
will see the dawn tomorrow. We will soldier on down this road
as we reach for hope. Reach for hope.
ANNOUNCER: Please, will you join us in feeding hungry children
and their families by phoning today, 844-FJM-FOOD or donating
online FJM.org. That's FJM.org. Or mail your check to Fred
Jordan Mission, PO Box 12345, Covina, California 91722.
Please, will you help?
FEMALE: (Singing) Reach for hope.
ANNOUNCER: The Proceeding program was sponsored by
Generous Friends and partners of Fred Jordan Missions.