Memorize: Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you; Ephesians 4:32
Devotional Reading:Matthew 18: 21-35
There is an old saying that to err is human, to forgive divine. I have carefully examined this saying and found it to be true. Many people find it hard to forgive. We are social beings, our mistakes often harm others in small and big ways. We have all suffered or inflicted offences or injuries, whether physical or moral, that need the healing power of forgiveness.This can be a very difficult thing for some, but a must if we truly desire to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Mark 11:25; And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. You must forgive others if you want God to forgive you.
Many people hold their offender in their heart in unforgiveness for many months and years invariably locking themselves in an avoidable imprisonment of another person’s offence. The person with unforgiveness in their heart suffers psychologically and emotionally more than the person who offends them. Unforgiveness has turned many people to suffer depression, anxiety and violent anger etc. To have unforgiveness in our heart is a terrible thing, you must pray for a heart of forgiveness.
If we all have hearts of forgiveness, our world would be a better place. There will be less crime, diseases, less killings, less accidents, less court cases, less imprisonments and ultimately deaths, less souls going to hell fire. Unforgiveness is one of the most common sins that will send many to hell fire including many careless Christians. You must work on yourself and pray earnestly that God would give you a heart of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not an option in life if you want to be an overcomer. It is an absolute necessity.
Let us remember the story of the Unmerciful servant in Matthew 18: 21-35; His Lord forgave him 10,000 talents, but he would not forgive his fellow servant who owe him 100 pence, as a result, his forgiveness was withdrawn, he was then delivered to the tormentors until he paid all that he owed. Jesus said in vs 35; So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses – THIS IS SERIOUS
Unforgiveness is an act of unrighteousness. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9a; Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? I wish to ask you a question; what is it that anyone has done to you that is worth losing heaven for just because you will not forgive?
Think about it. I pray that God will give you the grace to recieve a heart of forgiveness in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O mighty God, please give me a tender heart that is ready to forgive in Jesus name.
Key Dose: There is dual healing in forgiveness, it heals the offender and the offended.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
