Monday, January 30, 2017

Forgiveness

It was the new pastor’s first opportunity to visit the sixth grade boys’ Sunday school class. He knew the lesson they were about to study was on forgiveness. He looked around the class and recognized Danny from his neighborhood.
“Danny,” he said, looking at him and smiling, “do you think you could forgive a boy if he hit you?”
“Oh, yes Sir,” he said proudly, “I know I could – especially if he was bigger than me.”
It’s interesting to think about whom we are willing to forgive or not forgive. Perhaps we even have a criterion. It seems as though there are some individuals whom we forgive easily and quickly – no matter what they have said or done to us. Then, there are some we do not want to forgive – some we enjoy holding a grudge against – savoring or waiting patiently for that magical moment when we can “get even.”
How unlike Jesus. When He was teaching His disciples to pray He said, “...forgive us our sins just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.”
Jesus offered no criteria when it comes to forgiving. Forgiving others is the sign of a heart that understands, accepts and appreciates the forgiveness of God. If we are slow or refuse to forgive others, we do not know the true meaning of forgiveness and do not realize all that God has done for us.
Prayer: We know, Father, that when we forgive others we have an understanding of Your forgiveness and mercy. May we forgive others as You have forgiven us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

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