It takes a tough skin to survive in our dog-eat-dog world.
Or so we’re told, but that doesn’t have to be you!
God wants us to be kind, considerate of others, and most importantly, forgiving when people stumble and hurt us.
We’re to take the hits of life without taking offense at the same time.
How? It seems impossible. Yet, 4 Acts of Forgiveness in the Bible show us just how it’s done.
Luke 5:20 gives us our example directly from the Master.
“And when [Jesus] saw their faith, he said, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’ ”
There were no qualifications. Jesus simply forgave. It’s what he expects us to do.
Luke 6:37 turns our attention to the principles of the Golden Rule.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
How we treat others is how we will be treated in return. We can’t afford to let perceived offenses (or even real ones) drive kindness from us.
Matthew 18:21-22 paints our forgiveness as essential.
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ ”
We must let the pain and hurt slough off our shoulders as many times as it takes. It’s the only way to remain tender before God.
Matthew 6:14-15 raised the stakes, making our forgiveness vital to our relationship with God.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
That’s how important kindness, consideration, and forgiveness is to God. Without it, we trample Christ’s death on the cross, and we have no place beside him in heaven. With it, we become one with him.
Forgiveness counts to God. Let’s get to it today.
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Code: FGO.B.10.19a.vp.esv