Matthew 6:15, “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
🔴 BE THE FIRST TO APOLOGIZE!
For what am I apologizing? I didn’t start it? It is not my fault; I did not cause it to happen!
Being the first to apologize is brave! We don’t often think humility is courageous. Our sinful nature does not want to admit to any wrongdoings regardless of who’s to blame.
God wants us to live in harmony with each other. When we have ill feelings or causes of unforgiveness with each other, we are not in unity. When we are not in agreement, we are divided. Division causes discord and a means for evil to germinate and proliferate. I’m sorry, or I apologize, becomes more evident when we spend time in our relationship with God. Reading His Word and praying to Him for wisdom and understanding strengthens our spiritual character.
Maybe it was not your fault, and you did not instigate the situation. That’s okay, but you can be brave! In Matthew 18:21-22, a question is proposed: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Think about all the times God has forgiven us, and nothing we do was or ever will be His fault!
Who do you need to apologize to today? Will you be courageous? If you can’t think of anyone – begin with God. Ask God to forgive you, and while you’re at it – thank Him for all that He has already done and how He continually forgives us.
~Diana L.W. Coleman
This devotional was written by Diana L.W. Coleman a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose® Edited by Torrie Slaughter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
© Torrie Slaughter, LLC, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose ®, 2020.
