Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)
For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.
Today’s Question: Whom does God require us to forgive?
Today’s Commentary:
Forgiving someone else can be one of the most difficult tasks of the human experience. In our sin nature, our natural response is one of revenge when we have been wronged. “Somebody owes me something” is the call of the offended. Yet, Jesus stops His disciples and reminds them of a greater forgiveness.
We cannot completely comprehend the grace of God. We experience His hand of mercy each day, and we take His forgiveness for granted. We deserve nothing. He gives us everything. We are treasured by our Creator, not because we have earned this adoration; we are loved because God is forgiving.
There is one point about this passage that must be clarified. Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples. He is not addressing the issue of salvation, as is evident from the context. He is speaking of fellowship. A person’s sins are forgiven by virtue of his or her relationship with Christ. This is not a relationship issue, but one that involves fellowship.
Unforgiveness in the heart of a Christian is like a new car that has run out of gas. It is still a car and has the same potential that it possessed with gas in the tank. But without the fuel, the car is not going to run. Lack of forgiveness shuts off the power of God to work through us. It breaks our fellowship with Him. On our own, we are powerless.
The Lord knew when He created us as relational beings that forgiveness would have to be the rule. We are sinners and we can be selfish. We will hurt others and be hurt along the way. The healing ointment for broken fellowship is authentic forgiveness.
Why should we forgive others? They may not deserve forgiveness. They may be prone to the same offense against us in the near future. The consequences of their sin and choices may be devastating to us and our families. But ultimately, forgiveness is not about the offending party; it is about our fellowship with God. One who cannot forgive another is one who lacks a heart of gratitude toward God for the mercy he or she has received. Also, how can we expect the Holy Spirit to give us joy and peace if we choose not to love others with a gracious heart?
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #36: Disciples of Jesus should be the first to forgive others, for they realize that they are displaying the grace of God to others.
Today’s Prayer Point: Whom do you need to forgive today? Pray and ask God to give you a heart of mercy and grace. Ask Him to provide an opportunity to show someone that you have forgiven him or her.
Shepherding Well 