What Jesus teaches about Forgiveness
Introduction
As we delve into our devotional today, we explore a theme at the very heart of Christ’s teachings – forgiveness. This divine act not only liberates the forgiven but also the forgiver, lifting off the burdens of guilt and resentment. Jesus calls us into the beauty of forgiveness, where love is victorious over any strife, grudges or hurt. Let us set out on a journey of understanding and practicing the gracious act of forgiveness as we look through this devotional.
Partner with us in this journey of unraveling the depth of forgiveness in Christ’s teachings and clearing a path towards gracious living, where every wound finds its healing, and every resentment finds its release.
Bible Verse
Matthew 6:14-15 – “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.”
Meaning
The verse from the book of Matthew presents a profound principle in the realm of God’s Kingdom. The forgiveness we extend to others mirrors the forgiveness we receive from our Heavenly Father. Jesus is teaching us that the act of forgiveness isn’t a choice but an obligation, a vital aspect of our Christian walk.
When we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts, we block the flow of God’s forgiveness towards us. It’s like putting up a dam that holds back the river of God’s love. It’s not God withholding His love, but our incapacity to receive it due to our hardened hearts.
Jesus presents forgiveness as an avenue to heal and grow; an expression of love that goes beyond our human tendencies to remember wrongs and deems us capable of loving like He does – unconditionally and limitlessly.
Actions to Take
- Make a list of people you need to forgive. Pray earnestly and proactively about letting go of the resentment.
- Ask for God’s help in viewing those who’ve wronged you in the light of His love and grace.
- Act on your decisions. Express your forgiveness to those who hurt you. If you can’t face them personally, write a letter, pray for them, or let it out in some other form.
- Regularly ask for God’s forgiveness for your sins, ensuring your heart is constantly in a state of grace.
Journal Prompts
- Why is it difficult for me to forgive?
- How do I feel when I am unable to forgive?
- What changes do I need to make to become more forgiving?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your profound grace. Help me to carry this grace into my life by being gracious in forgiving others. Give me your love that covers a multitude of sins. Transform my heart and make me more like You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!” -Max Lucado
- “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Lewis B. Smedes
- “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Conclusion
As we conclude today’s devotional, remember to embrace Jesus’s revolutionary teaching on forgiveness deeply. It is not only about setting free the one who wronged you but also finding your freedom. The freedom from the heaviness of resentment and the freedom to embrace God’s abundant love.
May you live your life in this empowering truth. Walk forth in this divine strength, forgiving and finding forgiveness in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. We invite you to join us at BGodInspired.com to explore more about what it means to live a life aligned with God’s teachings.
Do you want to know more about what Jesus teaches about ANY topic? Then try our What Jesus Teaches GPT. This is a great modern-day companion – simply search any topic and see what Jesus has to say about it.
