FORGIVENESS: The AAA FACTOR

Hello all of you FORGIVEN people... and you know who you are. Doesn't it feel good to be FORGIVEN? It is like a weight that has been lifted off of your shoulders. You see things differently. The flowers are brighter... the sun is brighter...there is a new spring in your steps...because there is a new spring in your heart. One thing that can bring you back DOWN is to allow...by your choice...a little thing called UNFORGIVENESS...to creep back into you heart. We need to practice what is know as THE AAA FACTOR. Of course...AAA stand for American Automobile Association. Millions of people are members of this emergency organization that boasts of "great member services and benefits." But for us as believers in the D.B.R...Death, Burial, Resurrection...AAA means so much more...for peace (a great benefit) in our lives...unencumbered by this nasty thing called UNFORGIVENESS. Jesus speaks of the AAA Factor as it relates to our PRAYER LIFE.


Jesus had just been in Jerusalem...and cleansed the temple...that had become a den of thieves...versus what it was suppose to be...A HOUSE OF PRAYER. The Gentle Saviour...had just gently laid down tables on their sides...and gently guided people out by stroking the offenders with a velvet whip...that soothed and ushered the perpetrators out in an orderly fashion. (See Mark 11:15-19 for the Real Story). Prior to making his friendly appearance in the temple...Jesus CURSED a fig tree. Upon returning to Bethany...Peter pointed out the fig tree was withered from the roots up. Jesus took the time and began to teach on prayer...and the power of focused words. (Mark 11:20-24)

But Rodo...why do you have a picture of Harry Houdini bound in chains and locks and handcuffs? Well...I'm glad you asked. Jesus caps off his wonderful teaching on the power of prayer...with a statement that would put a damper on His teaching...about FORGIVENESS...and UNFORGIVENESS. Attitude can hinder prayers. Well... I ain't Houdini...and if I am bound...I am bound...UNLESS...the Lord...gives me a KEY to get loosed. He has...and it is called the AAA FACTOR. With this factor...I can get released quicker than the Energizer Bunny with a fresh set of AAA BATTERIES.

"Whenver you stand praying...FORGIVE, if you have ANYthing...Against...ANYone, SO that your Father who is in heaven will also FORGIVE you your transgressions. But if you do NOT FORGIVE, neither will your Father who is in heaven FORGIVE your transgressions." (Mark 11:25, 26)

THE AAA FACTOR: By now you realize that the triple A means...

ANYTHING...AGAINST...ANYONE. This is the scope of forgiveness...if you were wondering who deserves your forgiveness.

"Forgiveness is NOT for those who deserve forgiveness...it is for those who don't deserve it." (R.L.B.)

Anyone can forgive those who are contrite and repentant towards you...but how about those who still curse you? It is the same principle about servant and master relationships..."Servant, be submissive to your masters with all respect, NOT ONLY to those who are GOOD and GENTLE...but also to those who are UNREASONABLE. For this finds favor, if for the SAKE OF CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD...a person bears up under sorrows when SUFFERING UNJUSTLY.. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But...if WHEN YOU DO WHAT IS RIGHT...and suffer for it you PATIENTLY ENDURE IT...this finds favor with God." (I Peter 2:18-20).

NOTE: I think about this in reference to my attitude towards my job...and previous jobs...when I am in the right and the "man"...the "establishment" is WRONG. Does the AAA FACTOR apply to these situations?

The ONLY WAY that you can walk in the AAA FACTOR...is to follow "in His steps."


"For you have been called for this PURPOSE...since Christ also suffered for you...LEAVING YOU AN EXAMPLE for you to FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS." (I Peter 2:21)

Here...is what I...am supposed to be doing towards those who DON'T DESERVE MY FORGIVENESS.

"Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth...and while being REVILED...He DID NOT REVILE IN RETURN...while SUFFERING...He UTTERED NO THREATS...but KEPT ENTRUSTING HIMSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES RIGHTEOUSLY." (I Peter 2:22)

If I DON'T practice the AAA FACTOR...I open myself up...for some bad stuff.

1. A root of bitterness "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God...that no ROOT OF BITTERNESS springing up CAUSES TROUBLE...and by it MANY BE DEFILED." (Hebrews 12:15)

2. Opens the door for the torturers. "Then summoning him, his lord said to him...you wicked slave, I FORGAVE you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also HAVE HAD MERCY on your fellow slave, IN THE SAME WAY THAT I HAD MERCY ON YOU? And his lord, moved with anger...HANDED HIM OVER TO THE TORTURERS until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly, Father WILL ALSO DO THE SAME TO YOU...if each of you DOES NOT FORGIVE HIS BROTHER FROM YOUR HEART." (Matthew 18:32-35...see Matthew 18:21-35 for full details).

3. If you don't master anger...anger will master you. "Then the Lord said to Cain...why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well...will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well...SIN IS CROUCHING AT YOUR DOOR...and its desire is for you...BUT YOU MUST MASTER IT." (Genesis 4:6-7)


These are just a few examples of how UNFORGIVENESS...will mess you up.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

If you are thinking to yourself...that old Rodo does not know what someone has done to me... that I have a RIGHT to hold unforgiveness to someone...and that I WILL NOT forgive someone...then THE AAA FACTOR is NOT for you...but...if you are tired of dealing with anger, bitterness, trouble, unanswered prayers...the try the AAA FACTOR...Forgive...ANYthing Against...ANYone. When you do this...you follow in Jesus' steps...and instead of reviling in return...and uttering threats...you will KEEP ENTRUSTING YOURSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES RIGHTEOUSLY." (I Peter 2:21)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY...NO REALLY...THIS TIME IT IS FINAL

"Never pay back evil for evil to ANYone. Respect what is right in the sight of ALL men. If possible...so far as it DEPENDS ON YOU...be at peace with all men. NEVER...take your own revenge , beloved...but LEAVE ROOM FOR THE WRATH OF GOD...for it is written, Vengance is Mine...I will repay...says the Lord." BUT if your enemy is hungry...feed him...and if he is thristy give him a drink...for in so doing...you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil...but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21)

It would be nice if...collectively as a nation that we could do this. It would be nice if collectively as a church we could do this. But...whatever...if others do it or not...at least I CAN WALK IN THIS....with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father.

Love and Sweet, Forgiving Kisses
Rodney "Torturer...Get Away From Me" Boyd