The Virtuous Life – Day 216 – Matthew 6-14-15 – Forgiving Others – Growing As Disciples
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. Matthew 6:14-15 (MSG)
Forgive Others
That is what I will do. What will you do? I will forgive others. You will forgive others who have hurt or harmed you? You will forgive others who have wrongfully mistreated you? You will forgive others who despitefully used you? You will forgive others who have clearly sinned against you? Yes, I will forgive others unconditionally. Wait a minute, you will forgive others who show no hint of remorse? You will forgive others who have no intention of acknowledging or admitting any of their sins against you? Yes, as I just said, I will forgive others unconditionally even when they are not, in any way, worthy of my forgiveness. Why would you do such a thing? Where did such an idea become part of the way you think or speak or act? Now, you are playing with me. Now, you are teasing me a bit. No, I am not. Well, I am only following the example that has been set before me. You forgave me when I was living as your enemy. You forgave me when I was living in ways that were displeasing to you. You forgave me when I thought and said I did not want or need anything from you. You forgave me when I was living a self-centered, self-sufficient, and self-indulgent life that had no time for you. As despicable as I was, you drew me to yourself. You showed me your kindness and mercy and love. You turned my life around. You forgave my sin and cleansed my unrighteousness. You set me on a new course of loving and following and serving you. Yes, I did all these things for you. I have no doubt about that. That’s good.
So, how could I fail to forgive someone who has sinned against me? Why would I not follow your example? Why would I not do for others what you have done for me? Why would I not forgive others just as you have forgiven me? If I say that I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength, I will think as you thought, speak as you spoke, and act as you acted. I know that you want me to become like you. I know that you want me to follow your example. Yes, I do. That is what I will do with all the strength you will give to me. I will live in your lavish forgiveness as I extend my forgiveness to others who have sinned against me. In that way, others will clearly see that your life is being lived out, in, and through me. That will be very good. Living in this way will allow you to be a powerful and fruitful witness for me, in the darkness of this world.
Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving my sins. Thank you for giving me a clean and fresh and new start with you. Thank you for making me righteous in your sight. Help me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me. Help me to show your love to others. Amen
Key Question… How are you now forgiving others just as your Heavenly Father has forgiven you?
Living It Out… Make it your ongoing practice to quickly forgive those who have sinned against you.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father has forgiven your sins and will help you to forgive others who sin against you.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are quickly forgiving those who mistreat you.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you forgive others just as God has forgiven you.
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
The Virtuous Life – Day 216 – Matthew 6-14-15 – Forgiving Others – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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