Memorize: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22: 31
Devotional Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35
Forgiveness is a topic that is often taught, preached and discussed; yet very many people struggle and find it difficult to do. There is a common saying – “To err is human, to forgive divine”. With careful examination, we will find that this saying is true. All humans are not perfect or infallible. 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 enjoy forgiveness from God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him
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 offenders in unforgiveness for months and years invariably locking themselves in an avoidable imprisonment of another person’s offences. 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 less 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 and you desire to make Heaven your final destination, 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him 10,000 talents, but he would not forgive his fellow servant who owe him 100 pence, as a result, his forgiveness was withdrawn, he was then delivered to the tormentors until he pay all that he owe. 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 today to receive a heart of forgiveness in Jesus name.
May the LORD help you to be strength and joy to others in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O mighty God of Love, please give me a tender heart of forgiveness, heal me of unforgiveness in Jesus name.
Key Dose: There is dual healing in forgiveness, it heals the offender and the offended.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
