Forgiveness

June 5th – Matthew 18:22

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Matthew 18:22

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Our spiritual journey is an ongoing commitment to growth and change, so too is the act of forgiveness. Just like the limitless mercy of God who endlessly forgives us, our forgiveness for others should know no bounds. Because in God’s eyes, forgiveness isn’t a one time deal. But instead an ongoing commitment to show the same grace and mercy shown to us, and to have a heart like Jesus. Which for all of us should be our ultimate goal. And we can do it with God’s help. We can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that transcends limits and seeks reconciliation even in the face of repeated offenses. This means letting go of grudges, extending second chances, and embracing a mindset of compassion and understanding. Forgiveness can be hard, but not impossible. And it does more for us than the one we are forgiving. Because it enables us to heal relationships, foster peace, and experience the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.

June 5th – Matthew 18:22 Read More »

June 4th – Matthew 6:15

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Matthew 6:15

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

C.S. Lewis once said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Human beings can do truly depraved and horrible things to each other. Some atrocities are difficult to describe, or to think about, let alone forgiving someone who has done them. All the same, Jesus insists we understand how much God has forgiven us for. Because we have all sinned against God, and by comparison, our sin against Him is far more than any person can sin against another. But more than that, God knows the destruction that comes with unforgiveness. How it can hinder our relationship with the Lord and create emotional and spiritual burdens. That’s why He wants us living a life that practices humility and grace towards others. Because by embracing forgiveness, we can experience the freedom and peace that comes from aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus.

June 4th – Matthew 6:15 Read More »

June 2nd – Psalm 36:6

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Psalm 36:6

“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.”

Each morning brings with it a fresh, clean slate in the eyes of God. Yet chances are at some point in the day we’ll sin, breaking His Law. But thankfully when we stand before the Lord in true sorrow and repentance, we can trust in His perfect justice. Unlike worldly judges who let their opinions and decisions be swayed, nothing can change the unwavering righteousness and forgiveness of the Lord. When others are unjust or unfair, we can trust that God never is. Just as the mountains stand firm and the deep sea is vast, His forgiveness knows no bounds. And He offers redemption and restoration to all who humbly seek His grace. In His unfathomable love, God saved us from the chains of sin, offering His own Son to pay the debt we owed. All to offer us eternal life and a renewed hope. So with thankful hearts may we always turn to the Lord knowing that in His forgiveness, are found healing, freedom, and the assurance of a life reconciled with Him.

June 2nd – Psalm 36:6 Read More »

June 1st – Psalm 100:5

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Psalm 100:5

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with repentance. Oh I can apologize easy enough. And I do feel sorry for having sinned against others and God. But sadly, I’m a repeat offender. Because for me it’s easier to sin and ask for forgiveness, than to stop the sin in its tracks before happening. And that’s why I’m so thankful for God’s goodness. Because part of that goodness involves His forgiveness. A forgiveness I need second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. And it’s through His forgiveness, which God demonstrates His abundant mercy, compassion, and grace. I have a long way to go, and am definitely a work in progress. But God knows that. And despite how I fail Him, He is always faithful. Faithful in His love, patience, and forgiveness. Are you struggling with shame and guilt? Go to God. Lay all your sins at His feet. Receive His forgiveness and restoration. And know that even though sin may have a temporary hold on us, Jesus has a greater hold. A hold no sin could ever break.

 

June 1st – Psalm 100:5 Read More »

May 16th – 2 Chronicles 7:14

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2 Chronicles 7:14

As hard as it can be, change is a good thing. Especially when it comes to our walk with God. Even if at times it’s one step forward two steps back, our relationship with the Lord is to be one of perpetual motion. And repentance is just the thing to bring about growth and change. True repentance involves four things. First is humility. When we sin against God we need to come before Him with a truly sorry heart. One that hurts because it hurt God. Next is prayer. Jesus gave His life to provide an open line of communication between us and God. And we need to use it to confess the wrong we’ve done. Third is to continually seek God’s face. This means studying His Word and striving to live according to His commandments. Finally, we need to turn from our wickedness. It isn’t enough to just apologize for the sin we commit. We need to literally change the sinful behavior. If we take these steps, God promises to hear us, forgive our sins, and give us healing, change, and a deeper relationship with Him.

May 16th – 2 Chronicles 7:14 Read More »

May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23

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Lamentations 3:22-23

It’s hard for me to read the book of Lamentations without a lump in my throat. Because its pages are filled with the pain of the prophet Jeremiah. He grieves over the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. Yet even in the midst of desolation and despair, Jeremiah had a heart of gratitude for the goodness of God. Gratitude is a powerful tool in overcoming the feelings that ail us. And knowing God’s compassion and kindness towards us are renewed each morning, helped ease the prophets pain. No matter how bad the circumstances of the day, with each new sunrise comes the opportunity to start fresh. To let go of yesterday and its failures and hurts, and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Furthermore, when we trust in His unwavering love and faithfulness, and remember God’s faithful goodness, we too will have an overwhelming gratitude that eases our pain. And hearts that look to Him for the strength and hope we need to face each day.

May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23 Read More »

May 5th – Philippians 3:13

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Philippians 3:13

We can be our own worst enemies. Always replaying past mistakes in our head, never forgiving ourselves, and feeling too worthless for God. No wonder many believers seem to get stuck in the mud. Always spinning their wheels and unable to move forward. But Jesus made it clear that having a relationship with Him involves growth, change, and action. And the action needed is letting go of our past mistakes and instead focusing on our future. The glorious future planned for us as followers of Christ. We all sin daily, and need God’s forgiveness. And He’ll give it freely and generously when we come to Him in true repentance and sorrow. More than that when we confess, God promises to wipe our slates clean. He’ll remember our sins no more and remove them as far as the east us from the west. (1 John 1:9) So if God can forget our past, who are to remember? All we need to do is learn from our mistakes, and move forward with renewed focus and determination.

May 5th – Philippians 3:13 Read More »

April 26th – Acts 3:19

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Acts 3:19

Peter tells us that in order to receive forgiveness for our sins, we need to repent from our wickedness. But to repent means more than just apologizing for sinning. Because God isn’t looking for lip action. He’s looking for true, life changing action. For repentance includes transformation. Repent is from the Greek root word metanoeō. And it means to have a complete change of heart. To have a new way of thinking that God’s way is the right way. Surrendering and following Him completely. In His great mercy, when we repent the Lord promises to wipe our slate clean. Removing our sins as far as the earth is from the west. (Ps. 103:12) But as wonderful as that is, forgiveness isn’t the only benefit we receive from repentance. Peter also promises that times of refreshing will come from repenting before the Lord. Because when we turn towards God and receive His forgiveness, we receive a renewal in our lives as we walk closer with Him.

April 26th – Acts 3:19 Read More »

April 10th – Hebrews 13:8

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Hebrews 13:8

In a constantly changing world, it’s good to know that there is one we can always rely on. One whose character and teachings are consistent across time. And whose message and actions remain relevant and important for all generations. That One is Jesus Christ. The same yesterday, today, and forever, the Lord is our reliable and constant source of hope, guidance, and strength. And as such, we can rely on His teachings, sacrifice, and love, both in this life and in the next. Most wonderful of all, because Jesus never changes, His work on the Cross remains available to all who seek redemption and forgiveness. This means that anyone who calls on Jesus as their Savior can be assured of eternal life. And we can trust that no matter what challenges or difficulties we face in life, Jesus will always be there for us. Because His love and grace will never diminish.

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April 3rd – Colossians 3:11

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Colossians 3:11

With inclusivity being the word of the day, there is only One who welcomes all to join His family. And that is God. Regardless of our ethnic, social, or cultural background, the Lord invites all to come to Him and receive His free gift of salvation. One of the most radical things Jesus Himself did was to reach out to the outcasts of the day. Eagerly the Lord loved the unlovable. These included tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers. And you and me. That’s the beauty and awesomeness of God’s grace. He extends it to all. No matter who we are or what we’ve done, when we come before Him in true repentance, God forgives. Because the inclusiveness of God isn’t rooted in political correctness. Instead it’s rooted in His love for all people and His desire to reconcile us to Himself. This is why the message of the Gospel is good news for all people, and why the invitation to follow Jesus is open to anyone who is willing to receive it.

April 3rd – Colossians 3:11 Read More »