CAC Living Water Daily Devotional | Tuesday, December 21, 2021 | Forgiveness Is A Command
Topic: Forgiveness Is A Command
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Read: Mark 11:24-26
Matthew 11:24-26 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
MEMORISE:
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)
EXPOSITION
Forgiveness is an action that will either open the door to heaven for our prayers or shut it. The entire plan of salvation is for us to be forgiven of our sins through the Blood of Jesus Christ shed on the Cross. It does not matter the gravity of our sin(s), as long as we can be bold to confess them sincerely to Christ, He is merciful to forgive us. Yet, there is exemption, our heavenly Father is not ready to forgive anyone who is not ready and willing to forgive those who offend them.
A saying goes thus, to err is human, to forgive is divine and Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Therefore, as a child of God, you have the responsibility to let go of the matter and release those you have put in the custody of your heart, if you want answers to your prayers. When you offend God, you expect Him to forgive you. Likewise, you have to forgive your own offenders. Jesus is totally against unforgiving spirit (v. 26). If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your sins. And if we have sin in our lives, not only will our prayers not be heard, but we will spend our eternity in hell. Unforgiving itself is a sin. This may sound harsh, but we must remember that God allows His only Son to suffer crucifixion for our sins. This was provided for us as a free gift, which we can never earn neither do we deserve (Rom. 5:8).
Therefore, to forgive our offenders is never a suggestion, or an option. It is a command and God means it, because it has cost God his only dear son. It is either you forgive or you are not forgiven. So make your choice. God help you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, I let go of those who are already in the prison of my heart.
2. Lord, give me the grace to be a forgiver as You are.
3. Those who are erroneously imprisoned for crimes not committed by them, Lord cause them to receive justice.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Amos 6:2 – 9:15; Obad. 1:1 – 1:4; Rev. 10:9 – 11:18
Author: Christ Apostolic Church [Worldwide]