What Jesus Did! 'Forgive' — Matthew 6:14-15

Sunday, March 12, 2017

"Yes, if you forgive other people for the things they do wrong, then your Father in heaven will also forgive you for the things you do wrong. But if you don't forgive the wrong things people do to you, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrong things you do."
— Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 6:14-15 NLT — But if you don't forgive the wrong things people do to you, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrong things you do.

Key Thought

How can we dare go before God and ask him to forgive us if we refuse to forgive others? God's grace is to be shared! If we do not share that grace, then it sours in us and we lose its blessing. We are forgiven to be agents of forgiveness. On a daily basis, our awareness of God's grace should help us re-start the forgiveness cycle in our own life by forgiving others before we ask for our own forgiveness. This desire to forgive and bless is just another evidence of being children of God who long to liberate others from their sin and bless them with grace.

Today's Prayer

Holy and exalted God, thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Help me let go of all bitterness and vindictiveness as I forgive those who have harmed me. May your work of redemption and grace touch their hearts as it has mine. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Col. 3:13
  • Mark 11:25
  • Matt. 18:21-22

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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