Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Forgiveness
Scripture Reading for the day: Matthew 18:23-35
Scripture Quote: “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 (NASB)
There are Scripture verses like these that many of us would often like to overlook. We can be mean or dishonest and find a rationalization for our behavior, but let a brother act the same way and we become angry with him. Anger loves to get a foothold in the Christian’s heart because it is from the evil one and God does not like it. What better way to get a believer to become alienated to both his brother and his God?
God wants us to be forgiving and it is often very hard for us to truly forgive. We get so puffed up with ourselves and choke on words of apology or forgiveness. But forgiveness is mandatory in the Christian’s life, there is no denying that. God forgives us everything. How can we possibly think we have the right to hold a grudge against anyone after we have been forgiven for every sin in our life? We must change our selfish perspective and submit to God’s decree to forgive because he demands that we do.
Today’s meditation: Pray that God softens your hard heart and gives you the compassion you will need to forgive others their sins against you.
Memory Verse: “ If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (NASB)
Forgiveness
Scripture Reading for the day: Matthew 18:23-35
Scripture Quote: “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 (NASB)
There are Scripture verses like these that many of us would often like to overlook. We can be mean or dishonest and find a rationalization for our behavior, but let a brother act the same way and we become angry with him. Anger loves to get a foothold in the Christian’s heart because it is from the evil one and God does not like it. What better way to get a believer to become alienated to both his brother and his God?
God wants us to be forgiving and it is often very hard for us to truly forgive. We get so puffed up with ourselves and choke on words of apology or forgiveness. But forgiveness is mandatory in the Christian’s life, there is no denying that. God forgives us everything. How can we possibly think we have the right to hold a grudge against anyone after we have been forgiven for every sin in our life? We must change our selfish perspective and submit to God’s decree to forgive because he demands that we do.
Today’s meditation: Pray that God softens your hard heart and gives you the compassion you will need to forgive others their sins against you.
Memory Verse: “ If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (NASB)