Text: Luke 6: 37 – 42
Forgiveness is a virtue that is gradually disappearing in relationship today. Rather, half-hearted and partial forgiveness is prominent. Many problems in the home today will not arise if we truly forgive one another as God forgave us in Christ Jesus. God did not wait until we became righteous before sending Jesus Christ as a propitiation for our sins (Romans 5:8); He sent Jesus simply out His love for us (John 3:16). It seems most natural for us to be bitter when offended, contradicted or wrongly judged. However, in today’s passage God has not given us the privilege to stand in judgement and condemn one another. For every fault lies in you, for it takes one to know one. When next you feel offended by your partner or sibling, look inward and see if there are nay of such attitudes in you. Jesus Christ expects that you correct yourself first before you can be an instrument of correction.
Do you often judge or condemn others? Do you often hold back forgiveness when you are offended? God expects you not to judge or condemn; rather, He wants you to forgive all the time. A great measure of what we give will return to us, not only in like measures, but also pressed down, shaken together and running over. Forgive, so that God can forgive you.
Prayer: Father, please forgive me when I allow anger and bitterness to fill my heart because I refuse to forgive someone who has hurt me. Teach me how to lay down my rights and choose to forgive in the same way You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.