Today’s Encouragement is Matthew 6:12 NLT “…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”
As we have forgiven –
You and I often pray for forgiveness of our own sin… it’s about the most common and natural prayer we pray! Yet notice that Jesus compares God’s forgiveness of us, with the way in which we forgive others!
This is one of the hardest truths in the Christian life…
In later verses, 14-15, Jesus clarifies this thought saying, “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.”
I’m afraid that’s what He said my friends,
He will Not forgive us…
if we have refused to forgive others!
A Hard Truth!
Every good thing, including forgiveness, comes from God. And we have no capacity for forgiveness, love, mercy, or kindness… except as God has granted us these gifts. Now it is essential my friend, that we live according to His Truth. Yes, we fail! Yes, we aren’t Perfect! And Yet- He has called us to live, as best we can, with the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit living within us… as He taught… including this essential truth…
We must forgive in order to receive forgiveness.
One final thought – We can only become free from the hurt others have done to us… when we forgive. Until we forgive… the wound will not heal! We choose to remain wounded – when we do not forgive.
Father God, help us to recognize the immense forgiveness which You’ve given us through the cross of Christ. Help us to forgive!
Forgiveness
Matthew West
Today’s Encouragement 