MONDAY, MARCH 5
Luke 17:1-6
Matthew 6:14-15

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

THE VIRTUE OF FORGIVENESS

Jesus told His disciples that offences cannot be prevented from happening in their lives. But what was frightening was when they were the ones causing the offence! The word “offend” here means causing others to fall or to sin. They could cause others to stumble, eg. children or believers who were still young in the faith and were easily offended.

The millstone referred to is the large mill drawn by beasts, in fact the literal meaning is “a mill turned by an ass.” Hence, it is a great millstone. It is so heavy that if it is hanged on the neck of a person cast into the sea, he will surely drown. The gravity of the sin is signified by Jesus’ words: it is better for them to be drowned than to offend. The magnitude of the sin of causing offence is so great!

Jesus exhorted them to rebuke those who trespass against them. To do so is to avoid offending others. When those who sinned against them decided to repent, they must be forgiven. Jesus reminded them to forgive as many times as their trespassers repent of their sins (Matt 6:14). It is in forgiveness that further offences are prevented. Retaliation and taking revenge will surely and only offend others.

The disciples prayed for the Lord to increase their faith. It is not easy to forgive especially if the sin is repeatedly committed. Man’s heart naturally tends to harbour grudges. If sin is repeated, vengeance will easily burst like a mighty volcano. Jesus told them to have faith in Him. For if we have faith as a mustard seed we will be able to love and forgive. God in whom we have faith shall enable us to do so. Only believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are able to forgive without end for “the fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Gal 5:22). “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell” (Lehman).

THOUGHT: Do I forgive those who sin against me?
PRAYER: Father, grant me a forgiving heart.