This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.
Matthew 18:35 NIV
This verse comes at the end of Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant. This servant had been forgiven an outstanding debt but was unwilling to forgive another servant who owed him a much lesser amount. Consequently, the master of the two servants revoked his forgiveness of the unmerciful servant who was himself unwilling to forgive others.
How important is it that I forgive others? I do believe we need to take Jesus’ words here very seriously. Forgiveness is not an optional activity on my part. If I am unwilling to forgive the offenses of people around me, especially other believers, I should not expect God to forgive the great debt I owe him.
Forgive your brothers or sisters who have hurt or wronged you. Not just when they ask for forgiveness. But even when they persist in their actions that are hurting or offending you. Indeed, that is hard to do. But it is the way of love we have been called to live.
Fortunately, we do not have to do this on our own. We have God’s Spirit to help us.
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Hurt is inevitable in our lives. How we respond is not. Do not hold anything against one who has hurt you. Forgive them and find peace.
Through the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, forgiveness of sins is available for all who believe and put their trust in Him.
As those that have received mercy and forgiveness from God, let us, in turn, show mercy and be willing to forgive the hurts others cause us.
Will we forgive and promote love and unity within the body? Or will we tell others about the offense, allowing it to cause division?
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Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.
A Note to Readers
The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.
