FRIDAY March 20, 2020
Christians Likewise Forgive
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15
Jesus placed great emphasis on forgiveness. If you do not have forgiveness in your heart for others, then how can God forgive you? He knows our hearts and how we can be unpleasant and hold grudges against other people. Make sure you are right with God; go to the person who has hurt you and forgive them. If there is true repentance, the relationship is restored, and there is fellowship.
This is something we all need to be aware of in our walk with God. Forgiveness is important; it allows God to work so people are not hindered from entering the kingdom of God. However, if you have done what is right, and the other person retains bitterness, and the fellowship between you remains broken, that is not your problem. Your relationship with God is in good standing because you did your part––what was right before Him.
God means what He says. If there is unforgiveness in your heart, He will not forgive you until you make it right before Him. No matter how many times you come into His presence, you cannot hold on to resentment and unforgiveness in your heart before Him. There has to be a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Understand the forgiveness of God so you can forgive others. As a child of God, He wants you to do this.
Jesus has given to each of us a warning. We will not receive forgiveness unless we are forgiving of others. Christians are to be loving and forgiving. Are you?
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.
~C.S. Lewis~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!