Bible Reading: Luke 17:3 & 4
In Luke 17: 3 & 4, Jesus said, “So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes
back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.’”
Jesus makes forgiving someone sound so easy. Why, then, is it so hard?
First, forgiving someone requires us to show compassion and love to someone who has done something to us that was not compassionate and certainly not loving.
Secondly, in order for us to forgive someone for doing something wrong, we have to admit that someone has offended us. Then we must consciously choose not to hold the person responsible.
Finally, we have to act unselfishly and give up our right to see the person pay for his actions.
As hard as this seems to be, Jesus expects us to do it. He did all those things when He forgave our sins. He even went a step farther – He took the punishment that was meant for us – death. Jesus forgave us; can we do any less?
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me when I’d hurt You so badly. Help me to be able to forgive those who have hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.