Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 14, 2018
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. Matthew 18:35
As a follower of Jesus, I know in my head I am to perpetually forgive, but this truth does not always migrate to my heart. It is a struggle to be patient with, much less pardon, those who are reckless with their words and angry in their attitude. My heartfelt forgiveness does not catch up with my head knowledge until I truly take to heart the depth and breadth of God’s forgiveness. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
Christ’s clemency on the cross for mankind is unconditional for all who believe. “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). The reminder that we are sinners saved by grace grows humility and dismisses pride. Indeed, a prideless person is able to offer perpetual forgiveness to offenders.
However, those who behave like they are unforgiven (by their unmerciful actions) will be treated as if they were unforgiven by their heavenly Father. A more-severe judgment awaits followers of Christ who withhold the grace and forgiveness they have received from God. True forgiveness offers a permanent pardon, not a temporary reprieve.
Have you been treated unjustly and accused unfairly? Has someone you really respected let you down? Has a friend gossiped about you, or has a church member lied to you? If you stay stuck in self-pity and anger, you will miss an opportunity to model mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Jesus says it is easy to love those who love us; even the world does this.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that” (Luke 6:31–33). Thus, heartfelt forgiveness goes the extra mile to extend grace to the undeserving.
Therefore, by God’s grace grant bold forgiveness to bad deeds against you and your family. Let go of the emotional debt another owes you, who can never repay you. Heartfelt forgiveness opens the door of pride’s prison and releases the offender and the one offended. Extend Jesus’ gift of perpetual forgiveness, and enjoy its freedom forever.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your great forgiveness of me. Grow my capacity to forgive others in Your generous way, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Is my forgiveness of others heartfelt and Christ centered?
Related Reading
1 Kings 8:39; Ecclesiastes 4:1; Matthew 11:20; Luke 7:47
Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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Heartfelt forgiveness opens the door of pride’s prison and releases the offender and the one offended. #WisdomHunters #forgiveness
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