Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 42 – Matthew 6:14-15 – If You Forgive Others – Growing As Disciples

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)

Forgiveness

You have said that you want to know me. You have told me that you want to be like me. Is this true? Yes, I want to know you. Yes, I want to be like you. You want to know my will and walk in my ways. You want to join me in what I am doing. Is this true as well? Yes, I want to know your will, walk in your ways, and join you in what you are doing. These are very good desires that you have in your heart and on your mind. I have one more question for you. Go ahead, ask me, I’m listening. What do you think I’m doing? That seems like an impossible question. How can I possibly know what you are doing? I will ask you a different question? What have a done for you? I could answer that question a thousand different ways. You have done so much for me. However, I think you are looking for one particular answer at this moment. Yes, I am. Do you have the answer that I am looking for? I think so. You forgave my sins. Yes, I did. That is exactly the answer I was looking for. Did I forgive some of your sins, or did I forgive you of all your sins? You forgave me of all my sins. Yes, that is exactly what I did for you. Once I forgave your sins what were we able to do together? We were able to live in a relationship with each other. Nothing separated us from each other. There was no longer a wall that divided us from each other. Yes, that’s right.

Now, I have another question for you. Ask, away. If you want to be like me and join me in what I am doing what will you do for others?  I see where this conversation is headed. I have some barriers that exist with some people. Like who? There are people that have hurt me.  I could say that they have sinned against me. I don’t really like them. I don’t want to be around them. If I never saw them again that would be just fine with me. Are you still holding on to bitterness towards them? Have you forgiven them of what they have done to you? I’m still bitter. I’m still hurt. I’m pretty sure that I haven’t forgiven them yet. This is a new day, isn’t it? You no longer need to carry bitterness and unforgiveness. You can be set free from carrying that heavy burden. How is that? Oh, I’m sure that you know the answer to that question. You want me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me. Yes, I do. Is that what you want to do? Is that what you will do? Yes Lord, I will let go of bitterness and unforgiveness. I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. I will set down the heavy burden that I have been carrying. That will be very good.

Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving me of all my sins. Help me to do for others what you have done for me. Just as you have forgiven me, so I will also forgive everyone who has sinned against me. Help me to both give and receive your forgiveness. Amen

Key Question…  Why is it critically important that you forgive others just as you have been forgiven?

Living It Out…  Forgive others who have sinned against you, just as your Heavenly Father has forgiven your sins against Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that your Heavenly Father will forgive all your sins just as you have also forgiven others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how forgiving others has brought God’s healing into your life.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you forgive others just as your Heavenly Father has forgiven you.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Guidance – Day 42 – Matthew 6-14-15 – If You Forgive Others – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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