Title: The Power and Benefits of Forgiving Others
Text:
Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?"
22 "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!
To read the entire parable go here:
Observation:
Before we get too hard on Peter for his question we might want to pause and think about how many times we ask for a rule; give me a rule that I can obey. If we get the principle, we don't need a rule for everything. Here is the principle to inform our attitude about forgiveness.
Romans 12:8-10 (NLT)
8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
If we genuinely love others we will have to learn how to forgive others; love and forgiveness are inseparable. We do ourselves a favor when we forgive others.
"He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass"
George Herbert
Prayer:
Father God, give us a heart that is ready to forgive. Help us to love and forgive others in the manner that you have loved and forgiven us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
--
Acts 6:4 (KJV)
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/
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