Memorize: And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Devotional Reading: Colossians 3:12 – 17
Forgiveness means to receive pardon for sin or mercy instead of judgement. There is an interesting story in Matthew 18:25-27 A servant was owing his master a huge sum of money and could not pay back, his master commanded him to be sold and his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. When the servant heard the judgement he fell down. and worshipped and asked for forgiveness, the master showed him mercy and forgave him all the debt, which was a type of freedom.
In verses 28 – 31, this same servant saw another fellow servant who was owing him very little amount, he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, pay me what you owe me. The fellow servant fell down at his feet, and begged for time to pay the money back, but he refused and cast him into prison.
This is the attitude of many people in our world today, God forgave them huge sins that they have committed against him, thereby setting them free, but many refused to forgive fellow brother or sister of little offence, how can we escape if we neglect such great mercy which God hath showed to us?
God is calling everyone to repentance, especially those who have heart of unforgiveness, you must repent and pray for heart of forgiveness.
For us to continue enjoying forgiveness from God, we too must forgive those who offend us. Unforgiveness will hinder our own forgiveness from God. In
Matt. 5:44; Jesus said “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you… ” I agree that this may be difficult depending on the type of offence committed against you, however, this is the injunction of Jesus our Lord and saviour, and to be his child, you must obey him totally. If you need grace from God to do this, you can ask, He will not deny you, rather, he will supply you the Grace you need.
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, it is expedient that we forgive one another as much and as quickly as possible.
it will interest you to know that, unforgiveness can open the door to demonic attack, it can lead to bitterness and in turn result in I’ll health. It is the one who forgives that God defend from such attacks. There is someone reading this devotional, who is under the attack of the enemy as result of your inability to forgive some who offend you. God is ready to deliver you from that attack today, but you must forgive the one who offended you.
My prayer for you today is that the grace to carry this assignment will be released unto you now in Jesus name. I know it may be difficult but by the grace of God, you can do it.
May the Lord help.you to forgive all those who have offended you in Jesus name.
Prayer: My father and my God, please give me the grace to forgive.
Key Dose: Unforgiveness is a form of imprisonment, so, forgive.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
