Tuesday; May 31

I recently discussed forgiveness in a sermon. We talked about how one of the most basic acts of serving others was being willing to forgive them. The Bible is filled with examples of forgiveness as well as direct commands that we have an obligation to forgive others. In fact, Jesus was very straightforward when He said, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15). Interestingly, after the sermon, someone came up to me and asked how many people actually tell other people that they forgive them. I have to be honest with you, I had never really considered this. We talk about the need to forgive others, but just think how much more effective forgiveness could be if the other people knew they were forgiven. When we wrong someone, we tend to be embarrassed around them and that can have a negative impact on us. Yet, when we know that we are forgiven, our relationship can be restored – and maybe even be better than it was before the conflict.

Have you forgiven someone of something substantial recently? Do they know it? Maybe if we humbly let them know we no longer hold it against them, it can speed up the healing process.

Think About It!

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