Day Four Matthew 6:14-15
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)
Learn From the Word
Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel, and followers of Jesus should be marked by the fruit of it. When we recognize the depth of forgiveness we've received from our heavenly Father, the sins committed against us pale in comparison. That doesn’t minimize the many grievous sins humanity commits; forgiveness is, almost always, a messy and difficult thing. But Jesus teaches us here that forgiving others is necessary to reconnecting with Him. These verses aren’t talking about forgiveness from God that leads to salvation. Instead, Jesus is talking about the forgiveness of sin that leads to a restoration of relationship with our Father.
Put It Into Practice
Who in your life do you need to forgive? Forgiveness is a one-way street meant to bring healing and wholeness to the forgiver. It's a gift God gives us to release us from the poison that leads only to anger and bitterness. Take some time with God now to lift up the person you need to forgive. This isn’t something you can do in your own power, so ask for His strength to forgive them. In the same spirit, ask Him if there's anyone from whom you need to ask forgiveness! What step is God asking you to take to bring about reconciliation?
For Families with Kids at Home
It can be hard to forgive when others have hurt us deeply. But in becoming followers of Jesus, we realize that Jesus was willing to forgive us before we had ever done anything to deserve that forgiveness. When we realize how much we’ve been forgiven by Jesus, we’re able to forgive others. Ask your kids this week if there’s forgiveness they need to give this week - remind them that even if the other person doesn’t deserve it, we didn’t deserve for Jesus to forgive us, even though He did!