Loreto - Forgiven and Forgiving

My wife has shared her story about my unfaithfulness to her (see Lilia), and I admit that it is true. But I am now a changed man! This change came about when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. My personal relationship with the Lord has made me new and studying His Word in our Bible study has made me stronger as a Christian. I know now that we have a God Who forgives through His Son, Jesus Christ. I obeyed what He said in 1 John 1:9 which says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” I was convicted by this verse and made an instant decision to accept Jesus into my life. At that time my wife was hesitant to accept Jesus because she had not yet made up her mind to forgive me. But God, through the Holy Spirit touched her heart three weeks later in our Bible study group. She told me, “I forgive you.” I felt the joy and peace of God in my heart when I heard these words.

 

God is so faithful. I can honestly say there is contentment in following Jesus because it is God’s way. I learned to pray from the heart directly to God. Most importantly, I learned to use the Bible from the Old to the New Testament. I know the Holy Spirit is helping me understand what I read because I can contribute in our Bible study discussions. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance I am able now to share and testify to the goodness of the Lord. I have learned that praising and worshipping makes God happy!

 

I joined the choir at Cornerstone last Christmas and joined in the Christmas caroling so that I can help in making others happy in the Lord.  Psalm 62:7 is so true in my life. It says, “In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength and my refuge is in God.” My wife and I are definitely at peace with each other now because we both have the Lord in our hearts.

 

We still have our challenges and the enemy has tried to destroy our son. He became addicted to drugs. When I went home to the Philippines last year I did not want to see my son because I was so angry with him due to what he was doing with his life. But through God’s grace, He mellowed my heart. I called my son and talked to him. He said he was sorry and asked for my forgiveness. I realize that now it is my turn to forgive him just as my wife forgave me. I saw the transformation in my son’s face when he came to me. There was joy and the feeling of being loved. I forgave him and he in turn promised to get drugs out of his life.  We surrendered his life to the Lord. On our own we cannot do anything except to pray to God for His mercy. He is in control of my son’s life, and I trust Him to set my son free from Satan’s hold. Please help us with your prayers too.

 

When we came back to Boston, my wife and I were happy that we were able to touch our son’s life for the good. Psalm 91:10-11 says, “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.” God is so good. To God be the Glory!

 

 

 

 

 

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