Today : Forgiveness
TODAY’S VERSE
“Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Forgiveness is crucial to our mental health. More than that, it is imperative for a right relationship with God. God puts a premium on grace and forgiveness. Forgiveness is love in action. It is an act of grace that is inspired by Jesus Himself. In fact, Christ taught us to pray, when He said, “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” There are two key elements in this verse. First we see that God wants us to confess our own sins and ask for His forgiveness. He didn’t say, “Put on a mask and pretend you did no wrong.” Jesus didn’t say to rationalize away our attitudes of pride, anger and bitterness. Instead He admonishes each of us to focus on our own sinful situation and remember how He forgave us. When we do, God will bless our heart and give us all the capacity we need to participate in the second part of this passage. That is His desire that we forgive others. God wants us to be ambassadors of His grace. What better way than forgiving someone who has wounded us. Today, as we have been forgiven let us go and forgive others.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for not giving up on me. I pray that I might express the same kind of forgiveness to others.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I am forgiven so I too forgive
Picture yourself before God. Feel the weight of all your sins being lifted by His loving arms. Sense His total forgiveness, His unconditional love and matchless grace being poured into your heart. You feel His acceptance and in deep gratitude you decide to live for Him. You affirm, “I am forgiven so I too will go and forgive others!”