25 NOV 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“Then Peter came to him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, not seven times, Jesus replied, but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22
Being in the Thanksgiving mindset, post-November 23rd, I began thinking of all the things I am thankful for. I find it a good way to combat anxiety and depression by making an ongoing list of specific things that I am thankful for writing them on slips of paper and putting them in a box. As I am feeling low, anxious, or worried I pull out a slip of paper and read it. I then give praise and thanksgiving to God for what is written on the paper and before long peace and joy come.
The biggest thing I put on a piece of paper is real forgiveness. Being forgiven is a powerful thing that has been given to us for those who believe, but it is also a sweet gift of mercy that we can give others and others to us. God has forgiven us all of our sins, wrongdoings, and thoughts that have offended him. For forgiveness to work there needs to be repentance, remission, restitution, reconciliation, and restoration.
Forgiveness is conditional on repentance both to God and other people. If there isn’t repentance then there isn’t forgiveness. If we have been violated or sinned against, we must be ready to forgive when repentance happens. Remember all that we have put Jesus through torture and crucifixion and then look at what people have done to us. Our offense to God is always greater than anything that others do to us. Jesus forgives all who repent of their sins and turn to him in faith.
When God forgives sins, he doesn’t forget your sins but doesn’t hold those sins against you in the future. Your sins are washed away like blood-stained wool being made white as snow. So when we forgive a person, we give that person a clean slate and will not bring those wrongs up again in the future. Then the other R’s above can take place to get us to full restoration of relationships because of the power of forgiveness. God has given that to us and demands that we do the same for others.
Are you forgiving those who do you wrong?
Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6; Isa. 65:17-25; Rev. 22:14-21; Matt. 18:21-35
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