2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I FORGIVE?
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Matthew 18:21-35
Memory verse: Matthew 18:22
“…Lord, how oft shall my brother
sin against me, and I forgive him?”
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I FORGIVE?
What is forgiveness? Forgiveness involves at least two parties. The context of forgiveness is a rift in the relationship between the two parties. An offence has been committed against one party, or both parties may be at fault. For reconciliation to occur, there must be the elements of repentance and forgiveness. In the relationship between God and sinful man, the offender is always man, never God. However, for reconciliation to occur, man must repent of his sin, even when God is ready to forgive.
The forgiveness of God is of infinite depth and value. He forgives all sins through Christ because of the infinite value of Christ’s death. This truth was affirmed by God when He raised Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day Jesus died. The ever readiness of God to forgive means that there is no bitter spirit in God, but tenderness and compassion, like a father waiting patiently for His prodigal son to return to His loving embrace. This readiness to forgive is one-sided. On God’s part, He waits for the sinner to come through the Gospel of Christ that He offers them. The offence against God is one-sided, committed by man alone.
The heart of the believer must be the same as God. He must have the same readiness to forgive regardless of the number of times he is hurt by the same person who commits the same sin against him. Peter thought seven times seven was sufficient, but the Lord had to re-educate His disciple by teaching him that he had to forgive seventy times seven, which equals infinity!
The basis of every believer is the forgiveness he receives from God that costs Jesus Christ His life’s blood! He must keep on forgiving as he has been blessed with a forgiving heart and spirit. The moment a sinner becomes a believer and experiences the most excellent forgiveness from the holy God Almighty, the forgiving spirit dwells within the believer so that the readiness to forgive is always present, just like his Heavenly Father’s heart! The Holy Spirit who dwells in him helps him to forgive.
THOUGHT: Do I have a forgiving heart like my Heavenly Father?
PRAYER: Grant me the grace to forgive all who sin against me, O God, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.