The past week I was able to go to the mountains of Peru. I have been wanting to see these mountains for some time and I was able to go. I went up with Robert, Becky, Crystal, and Nick. We went up there to get things set up for a group that is going there for a month. It was encouraging the amount of time we spent in prayer together, praying for one another, for others needs, and for the group that will be coming in July. The mountains were breathtaking. We saw the tallest mountain in Peru and it is just huge. It would be awesome to climb.
The past week I was also able to spend some time in Los Jardines talking with people. I was able to sit and talk with Pastor Nestor and another guy in the community. There was a situation that happened in which Nestor extended forgiveness to this brother and it was a humbling experience as we spent time together talking and praying. Jesus tells us, “I do not tell you seven times, but seventy times seven” you are to forgive your brother. As we were praying you could tell the sincerity in both Nestor and the other brothers voice. I was reminded of 1 John 1:9 that says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John chapter one has a main theme of fellowship with God and Christ. Thinking of this verse brings about the need to be brutally honest with each other and with God, especially God because He already knows our hearts and there is nothing we can hide from Him. So, if there is nothing we can hide from Him the word tells us plainly confess and He will forgive because He is faithful and just to forgive them. When we allow the word to penetrate our hearts it can be difficult but God promises to forgive us and cleanse us when we sin. I am learning there is no need to hide anything from God but to brutally honest and to trust that He truly is faithful. Living in community means accepting one another for who we are and continually choosing to forgive and love.
