Devotion 7/6, A Heart That Forgives!
[As Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he reminded them:] “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:15
The forgiveness that Jesus is speaking of here is not judicial forgiveness.The forgiveness He is speaking of here is a parental forgiveness, when we refuse to forgive those who have sinned against us our fellowship with Father God is hindered and we do not receive the blessings that He has for us in this life until we forgive those who have wronged us.
Unforgiveness towards others is a miserable way to live! I have known individuals who have become bitter, resentful people because they refuse to show forgiveness to someone in their lives. They have no joy of the Lord because their unforgiveness has sucked all the joy out of their life, it has almost become a god to them!
This is why God commands us to forgive others, it is not only for the benefit of those we forgive. It is for our own good so that we do not lose the joy and peace of the Lord in our life and become ineffective for Christ.
When we don’t forgive, we demonstrate that we have not graciously received the Lord’s forgiveness or did not understand that our forgiveness is not confirmed until we share it with others! God is graciously forgiving and will not accept those not graciously forgiving of others!
Holy God, there are those whom I find difficult to forgive. Right now, while I’m praying, please soften my heart with your Spirit, cleanse my soul of any bitterness or resentment, and empower me to let go of the pain of the past and forgive. I thank you for this grace to not only be forgiven but also forgive. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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