Forget

<<fail to remember, overlook>>

Be careful not to forget what God has spoken to and done for you, speak of that to others (Deut 4:9,23, 6:12). Do not forget or minimize the enormous sacrifice Christ paid to bring us into His family and the grace shown to us including, healing in various areas, preparing a glorious future, showing abundance of love, meeting our needs and constantly being with us (Ps 103:2-5; Heb 13:5). As we recall, think about, and live in these blessings we will experience the abundant life Jesus wants us to have (Jn 10:10). It will also result in gratitude and praise to the God of our salvation.

“Remember to do good, and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Heb 13:16). Don’t just give mental assent or a passing acknowledgement to the Scriptures or insights from the Holy Spirit, rather live out the Word of God and obey His promptings and you will be blessed (Jas 1:23-25).

In striving for a better way of life don’t forget it is God who gives you the ability to get rich (Deut 8:14,18). Don’t think God has forgotten your labour of love for Him, the tears you have cried in intercession or the sacrifices you have made for His kingdom’s sake (Ps 56:8; Isa 49:15; Mk 9:41, 10:29; 1 Thes 1:3; Heb 6:10). Also don’t forget the plight of many in the world who have no opportunity to better their conditions – this should make us content to live simpler lifestyles and give to those in need.

On the other hand, don’t overlook the fact that often the problems we experience are caused by our stubbornness, pride, lack of trust in God or disobedience to His directions as well as

Be prompt to fulfill your promises or vows so you don’t ‘conveniently’ forget – Ecclesiastes 5:4,5

violating principles of life including forethought, planning, communicating effectively and insisting on our rights rather than submission and love. Only by following through on teaching and instruction can change take place – it is pointless if a person forgets or neglects to put into practice what he has been taught (Mt 7:26,27; Jas 1:23,24). As we can quickly forget God’s dealings with us it is good to take sermon notes, keep a journal of your Christian pilgrimage and memorise Bible verses (Ps 119:11; Mt 13:19). Constantly bring to mind the words of God (Deut 6:6-9).

In your Christian life don’t forget the devil can and will defeat you if you try to battle in your own strength while he is unable to gain the victory if you resist him in Jesus name claiming the power of the blood as your authority (Rev 12:11). Our only place of safety is humbly at the foot of the cross.

Satan wants us to forget the victory we have in Christ over his evil works (1 Jn 3:8, 5:4). He tries to make us lose sight of this and not utilise that which is available to us, and like Eve focus on what we can’t legitimately have instead of enjoying what is already ours (Gen 3:2,3).

While we are generally admonished to ‘remember’ and ‘not forget’, God promises to “remember our [confessed] sins no more” (Isa 43:25; Jer 31:34; Heb 10:17; 1 Jn 1:9 ). In the same way we should ‘forgive and forget’ the hurts of the past or else they will be a handicap in the future, preventing

Forget what is negative and destructive by not continually reviewing it

God’s purposes being outworked. Forget the wrong others have done to us, yet remember to pay the debt of love we owe to others (Rom 13:8). Even if you can’t forget past hurts against you, their power to hold you in bondage is broken by forgiveness.

See also: forgiveness, journaling, memory, remember.