[Faith-talk] FW: [thefamilyoffaith] Forgivness - John MacArthur Devotional

[Eric Calhoun]

And remember: As we forgive those who trespass against us.


Original Message: 
From: "thefamilyoffaith" <TheFamilyofFaith at tampabay.rr.com>
To: <thefamilyoffaith at yahoogroups.com>,
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Subject: [thefamilyoffaith] Forgivness - John MacArthur Devotional
Date: 
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:47:32 -0400




Forgiving as You Are Forgiven

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. . . . For if
you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not
forgive your transgressions" (Matt. 6:12, 14-15). 

 

It's possible to confess your sins and still not know the joy of
forgiveness. How? Failure to forgive others! Christian educator J. Oswald
Sanders observed that Jesus measures us by the yardstick we use on others.
He didn't say, "Forgive us because we forgive others," but "Forgive us even
as we have forgiven others."  

An unforgiving Christian is a contradiction in terms because we are the
forgiven ones! Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to one another,
tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has
forgiven you." God forgave us an immeasurable debt, saving us from the
horrors of eternal hell. That should be motivation enough to forgive any
offense against us, yet some Christians still hold grudges. 

Here are three practical steps to dealing with the sin of unforgiveness.
First, confess it and ask the Lord to help you mend the relationship in
question. Second, go to the person, ask for forgiveness, and seek
reconciliation. You might discover that he or she wasn't even aware of the
offense. Third, give the person something you highly value. This is a very
practical approach based on our Lord's teaching that where your treasure
is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:21). Whenever I've given a book
or other gift to someone who has wronged me, I've felt a great sense of
liberty in my spirit. In addition, my joy is compounded because I feel the
joy of giving as well as the joy of forgiving. 

Don't ever let a grudge stand between you and another person. It will rob
you of the full joy of God's forgiveness. 

Suggestions for Prayer: 

Before praying, examine your heart. If you harbor bitterness toward
another person, follow the procedure given above. Then pray, thanking the
Lord for the joy of reconciliation. 

For Further Study: 

Read the parable of the servant in Matthew 18:21-35.