For taking your time to study remain blessed.
FORGIVE OTHERS AS CHRIST FORGIVES YOU
TUESDAY JUNE 27
TEXT: MATTHEW 18: 25 – 35
Key verse: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” Matthew 6: 12
To forgive means to give up resentment of or claim to requital revenge for an offence. It also means to grant relief from payment of a debt and to pardon someone’s wrong doings. Using the parable of the wicked servant (Matthew 18: 25 – 35), the Lord Jesus Christ illustrated that the forgiveness we obtained from God is conditional and depends on whether or not we forgive those who offend us. He also taught that those who obtained forgiveness from God should give and ask for forgiveness from their fellows who they have offended. Hence, if you claim forgiveness from God and cannot forgive your offenders, that forgiveness from God is cancelled. This is because God granted you forgiveness conditionally just like the law court can grant someone bail based on the agreement that certain conditions will be fulfilled. How did God forgive us? The Bible says that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5: 6, 8). God forgave us freely and gave us His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Your forgiveness to others has to be free too. Don’t wait for them to come and ask you; take the first step because God took the first step in reconciling man to Himself by giving Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Always remember that if you don’t forgive, your prayers will not be answered.
Forgiveness is a show of love to offenders as God is love; show love to one another also. Rebuke and correct your brother and forgive him if he repents as God does to His children that stray. Remind, discuss and tell your brother his fault and sin so that you can forgive him as the Holy Ghost is doing today in the Church (Matthew 18: 15 – 17). Humble yourself, bow down, solicit and beg for forgiveness from any person you offended. Don’t forget that if there is anybody you refuse to forgive or anyone having any genuine issue against you, you will miss heaven. Settle with all men now. Write letters like Paul and go back home like the prodigal son to be forgiven and to forgive others.
Thought for the day: As much as it lies within you live peaceably with all men.
Song of the day: Lord prepare me, a sanctuary pure and holy, tried and true.
Bible reading for the day: Job 10-12; Acts 8:1-25
#horemow.
http://www.youtube.com/v/E2e3X-8I1f0?version=3&list=UULIyD-azeX5SmNgPbIRV8Cg&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=0AII53U_MNz7yadYTrdOSw&feature=share&autohide=1
Comments
Post a Comment