Today’s Encouragement is Mark 11:25 NLT But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
First forgive –
Here is another example of God teaching us that we must take a step toward Him, we must respond to Him then He will act. If – Then.
We are to forgive others first… and then after we forgive others… God forgives us. This is confirmed in Matthew 6:14-15 NLT “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
IF you forgive… Then God will. If we refuse… God will not.
This is a clear, if uncomfortable, truth of the Word.
It’s never easy to forgive, some hurts are truly ‘unforgivable’, yet Gods truth isn’t limited to the small things, like our occasional hurt feelings. This truth applies to even the greatest injustice, betrayal, and even intentional harm done to us my others.
Remember my friends, Jesus was betrayed, lied about, beaten, whipped and tortured to death… And His response? “Father, forgive them…” Luke 23:34
My friends, forgiveness, extended from us to another person, is our recognition of the immeasurable forgiveness we have already received from God. And when we forgive others… we are set free ourselves! Free from bitterness, resentment, and painful memories. Forgiveness sets us free!
Father God, thank You for the forgiveness you’ve provided us through Christ. Help us to completely forgive, to let go of our wounds… because we too have hurt others, and yet You’ve completely and mercifully forgiven us.
Forgiveness
Matthew West
Today’s Encouragement 