GOD IS FORGIVING

For Reading and Meditation: Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness plays a major role in our Christian life. The very nature of our God is forgiving. Sometimes it is hard for us to understand the way God forgives us. We struggle to accept His forgiveness to us by separating us far from Him whenever we are failed in our shortcomings. I believe, there are no conditions for receiving God’s forgiveness other than confessing our sins. 1John 1:9 says,” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our unrighteousness”. The only thing separate us from God is our sins. God has taken away that separation through His son Jesus by His death on the cross for us. The very attitude of Jesus on that cross was forgiving.

Jesus is the role model for us. Even on the cross He was willing to forgive the people who were crucifying Him. What is our attitude towards to the people around us? In Matthew 18:21&22, Peter coming to Jesus with a question of forgiveness. He wanted to know how many times he should forgive his brother when his brother sin against him. The answer Jesus gave him was to forgive him seventy times seven. It simply means that it is not about the number of times you can forgive but the attitude of forgiveness. God expects us to walk in an attitude of forgiveness without any conditions because we also receive God’s forgiveness without any conditions. The bible says “He died for us while we were sinners”.

What is our attitude as a body of Christ? Many a times our attitude is like the unmerciful servant in Matthew chapter 18. We freely receive forgiveness from God but we are not able to release forgiveness to one another in the same manner. Due to this reason we go through much torment within ourselves. We struggle with envy, bitterness, pride etc…God wants to set us free so that we can walk in freedom. It is the will of God for His bride to be pure and holy.

Thoughts to ponder: Am I walking in freedom that comes from forgiveness of my sins? Am I able to walk in an attitude of forgiveness towards others regardless of situations?

Prayer: My heavenly Father, I want to thank you for your forgiveness towards me regardless of who I am. God would you please help me to walk in an attitude of forgiveness toward others no matter what the situation might be. Help me to walk in the freedom that comes from forgiveness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen