Forget

<<fail to remember, overlook>>

Be careful not to forget God, His commands or what He has spoken to and done for you, speak of that to others (Deut 4:9,23, 6:12, 8:11). 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.

rather than submission and love. Only by following through on teaching and instruction can change take place – it is pointless and even catastrophic (depending on the matter) if a person forgets or neglects to put into practice what they have been taught (Mt 7:26,27). 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).

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.

In his quest to know his Saviour more and be used in His service, Paul said, "I forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13,14). We all have things in our past we are ashamed of, and try to block out of our minds; and even the good things we have done and progress we have made in Christ should not be a reason to think there is no room for improvement or continue to advance in the things of God.

See also: forgiveness, journaling, memory, remember.