What Jesus teaches about Forgiveness
Introduction
Welcome to our devotional on forgiveness! Forgiveness is a foundational principle in the teachings of Jesus and it’s something we all need in our lives. Whether you need to forgive someone or be forgiven, Jesus offers us the perfect example of how to forgive others and seek forgiveness for ourselves. Let’s dive into what Jesus teaches about forgiveness and how we can apply it to our lives!
Bible Verse
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Meaning
This verse reminds us of the forgiveness we have received from the Lord. Jesus teaches us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven by Him. It’s a powerful reminder that we are called to extend the same grace and mercy to others that God has extended to us. Forgiveness is not about excusing the other person’s actions, but it’s about releasing the hold of anger and bitterness from our hearts and allowing God to heal and restore our relationships.
Actions to Take
- Reflect on the forgiveness you have received from God and extend that same forgiveness to others.
- Have a conversation with someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for healing.
- Pray for God’s strength to let go of past hurts and move forward in forgiveness.
Journal Prompts
- What areas of your life do you need to extend forgiveness to others?
- How has holding onto unforgiveness impacted your life and relationships?
- Write a letter to someone you need to forgive (even if you don’t send it) expressing your feelings and releasing them from your heart.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the forgiveness you have extended to me. Help me to fully grasp the depth of your love and forgiveness so that I may extend the same grace to others. Give me the strength to release any bitterness or anger in my heart and walk in forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
1. “Forgiveness is a gift we give to others, just as God has given it to us. Let’s choose to forgive as the Lord forgave us. #Forgiveness #GodsGrace”
2. “Choosing forgiveness doesn’t excuse the other person’s actions, but it frees us from the burden of anger and bitterness. Let’s release the hurt and walk in forgiveness. #LetItGo #ForgiveLikeJesus”
3. “Forgiving others isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for our own healing. Let’s choose to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us. #ChooseForgiveness #Healing”
Conclusion
Finding forgiveness in Jesus is a transformative experience that brings healing and restoration to our lives. As we extend forgiveness to others and seek forgiveness for ourselves, we reflect the love and grace of our Heavenly Father. Let’s continue to seek the example of Jesus in all aspects of our lives, including forgiveness. Join us for more uplifting devotionals at BGodInspired.com!
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Forgiveness
Q: What does Jesus teach about forgiveness?
A: Jesus teaches that we should forgive others as God forgives us. In Matthew 6:14-15, he says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Q: Is there a limit to how many times we should forgive someone?
A: According to Jesus, there is no limit to forgiveness. In Matthew 18:21-22, he tells Peter, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Q: How can we forgive someone who has wronged us deeply?
A: Jesus teaches us to forgive others because God has forgiven us. In Ephesians 4:32, it says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Q: Does forgiveness mean we should forget about the hurt that was caused?
A: Forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting the hurt, but it does mean choosing to release the anger and resentment towards the person who hurt us. It is a conscious decision to let go of the desire for revenge and let God handle the justice.
Q: Can we receive God’s forgiveness if we are unwilling to forgive others?
A: According to Jesus’ teachings, we must be willing to forgive others in order to receive God’s forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, he says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
