Bible Study & Devotional Day 28
🔴 Forgive is a Verb
Forgive, to stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
I have struggled to forgive and still have moments when I need to ask God to help me. In those times, the reminder is quick and subtle. I need forgiveness.
The Lord Speaks through His Word:
Ephesians 4:22 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Peter asks a question I’m sure many of us have wondered. How much is enough? Is it ok to stop excusing the trespass against us? That was my “AHA” moment. I encourage you to ask God to reveal the people you believe have sinned against you. While you’re praying, plead with our Lord to soften your heart. We are to let go of anger and remove bitterness.
Our Debt is Paid:
Christ settled our accounts on the cross when He shed blood for our sins. When we ask if it’s possible for God to love someone we don’t approve of, we trade places with our Savior. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus submitted to death on the cross for all of humankind?! Not just the ones who ‘act’ like they have it all together?
Christ knew we were incapable of judging righteously, which is why we need His grace and mercy.
Matthew 18:22 Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.”
Training our Minds:
It takes discipline to heed the warnings of Christ. Remembering what happened to Pharoah and the Pharisees for their lack of humility helps us walk the straight path. However, before we condemn those who were unrighteous and questioned God’s authority, we can learn a powerful lesson.
- Have you ever been mistreated?
- How did you deal with it?
- Did you immediately start gossip about the person and situation?
When we are mad, offended, or feel betrayed, we want everyone to stand with us in those emotions. Our revenge is making as many people dislike the actions and the other person as much as we do….but we forget that our feelings are temporary.
The one thing I cling to is the hope in Christ that not only have my sins been forgiven, but He erases them. I continue to pray that the words I used that may have hurt or caused someone pain would forgive me. And I pray for their walk with God to be strengthened because if not for God’s grace and mercy, where would any of us be?
A Softened Heart:
Sin creates a barrier between our Holy God and us. He forgives a remorseful, repentant heart. When I became ashamed, God healed me.
Oh, the benefits of being restored! That renewed transformation is also available to you! God removes transgression from us as far as the east is from the west.
Forgiveness:
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
~Torrie Slaughter
This devotional was submitted by Torrie Slaughter, the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
