May 19, 2000 HERE'S MY HEART... The very thought of the word "forgiveness" brings a sense of joy to the human heart. Have you ever asked for, and received forgiveness? Maybe it was for something you had said or done. Maybe you hurt another person's feelings, or were rude, or cruel in some way. You went to that person and said, "I'm sorry. I apologize. Will you forgive me?" Do you remember how it felt when you knew that person no longer harbored ill-will against you? It's hard to describe, isn't it? C'mon, hasn't been THAT long, has it? That brings me to the other side of forgiveness, which is being forgiving. Is there someone you need to forgive? Maybe someone hurt your feelings, or was rude, or cruel. Maybe you've already forgiven that person in your heart, and now you need to go to them and say, "Hey, I'm not mad. I forgive you, because Jesus has forgiven me." And that, my friend, is the most wonderful forgiveness of all. Have you ever experienced the forgiveness of God? The Apostle John wrote, in I John 1:9, that "IF we are willing to confess our sin, He (God) is willing to forgive all our sin, and the cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness." Have you ever asked for His forgiveness? You can do that right now. If you live in the West Knoxville, Lenoir City, or East Loudon County area, or if you are ever visiting in our area, and you are looking for a place to worship, with a church body that is loving and caring, come visit us. We believe you will like what you see, hear, and experience. Thank you for visiting our website. God bless you. - Jim Clayton, Pastor