Forgive, and then, Forgive More
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12
Debts: opheilema (Greek) that which is owed; an offense or sin. (1)
Consider this: withholding love and forgiveness from someone because of hurt they've caused us may seem justified...we want them to acknowledge just how much they hurt us. We want them to earn our forgiveness. Oh, we 'plan to offer forgiveness' once they've proven themselves sorry enough and we consider that being the 'bigger person'. We rationalize our stance based upon our rightness (and our level of hurt) and upon calling the other 'up' to what is right.
But that isn't what Christ calls us to do. He tells us to forgive, and forgive more. If He withheld His love from us until we were sorry enough and worthy enough, we'd never know His forgiveness. We are not deserving of His redemption. He saved us because He loves us. Do we love enough to forgive?
Pray about having a forgiving heart and then, forgive. Forgive again. And keep on forgiving, because it’s what God does for us. You see, forgiveness isn’t about being right. It’s not about holding others accountable. It’s about freeing our own heart to be right with God and to hear His voice because we’ve quieted our own by His truth.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13
“Oh, Heavenly Father, You love us so deeply and far too often, we don’t comprehend the depth of Your love, nor the cost of forgiveness that You extend to us so freely. The depth of the dirtiness and depravity of our own sin is often lost on us. We see ourselves as ‘not THAT bad’, yet all of our perceived righteousness is as filthy rags, impure, soiled, and good for nothing. It can’t purchase our forgiveness- we don’t deserve it. We are hell-bound yet righteous in our own eyes.”
“Lord Jesus, give us a true picture of our sin and lostness. Help us to see that we are so undeserving and, in seeing how lost we are, help us to see how Your redemption is perfect, eternal, unchanging, abundant and FREE. We don’t deserve it, yet You extend it. We can’t earn it, yet You give it to us freely. Help us to see just how much You’ve given and how greatly You forgive, and then prick our hearts with compassion. Convict us to want to forgive others quickly and completely. Remind us that forgiveness is not a ‘feeling’ but a choice, an action, and a willingness to allow You to be the judge and hold the ‘other’ accountable. Remind us that if we want to be like You, Jesus, we will forgive even those who don’t understand how they’ve hurt us.”
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” Luke 23:34
“Holy Spirit, fill us with more of You so that we willingly forgive others. Free us from the bondage of unforgiveness that poisons us and makes it difficult to hear Your voice and obey Your will. Give us strength and conviction to extend forgiveness to others, not with a “yes, but..” rather, with an “I already have, I love you.” Help us to forgive others, just as you forgave us, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing. Forgive without stopping. Love others generously. Be like Jesus.
G3783 - opheilēma - Strong's Greek Lexicon (nasb95). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3783/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/
Thanking God for the Family of Believers
"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" 1 Thessalonians 3:9
The word "thanks" in Greek is "eucharistia" which means more than just gratitude... it is speaking actively grateful language directed to God as an act of worship (1). That's a powerful thank you!
Our children bring us such joy, don’t they? As we watch them grow and mature, we marvel at who they’re becoming and if they’ve committed their life to Jesus, we’re filled with joy that they know the Savior and are walking with Him. And it’s pretty likely we thank God for that frequently. And if they have siblings, we remind them of what a blessing that is. Oh, they may not have shown love and gratitude for one another as kids, but as they grow and mature, we pray they begin to see the blessing of their brothers and sisters.
But when was the last time we genuinely thanked God for the family of believers and encouraged our sons and daughters to do the same? Are we intentionally mindful and grateful for our brothers and sisters in Christ, or are we just 'coexisting'? Do we embrace the fellowship of other believers, or do we act as if we simply want to be an ‘only child’?
Consider what a great blessing it is to have this eternal connection with others because of the blood of Jesus?! We have others who know the joys and sorrows; who can encourage us because of the difficult things they've endured too. As a spiritual family, we endure with hope, because we know this life, this world is not our reward, something so much better is promised! But are we being intentional to encourage and remind our sons and daughters of these things? We should. We must. We will not always be with them, but the family of believers will surround them in ways we cannot. It’s important they not only recognize this, but that they have gratitude toward God for His wonderful provision. It’s true, families can be messy, but there is a bond that goes deep and cannot, should not be broken. Gratitude to God should be ever-present and generously expressed. Eucharistia.
Take time today to intentionally and actively speak words of gratitude to God for His incredible blessing of the family of God. Let your words be an act of worship. If you're holding a grudge, confess it. If someone's blessed you, acknowledge it. And ask Him to show you how you can be a blessing and encouragement to others today.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.
You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of GodFamily of God- Bill and Gloria Gaither (2)
Then, let’s pray that our sons and daughters embrace a spirit of gratitude for their physical family, but even more importantly, for their spiritual family. Pray that they have a strong desire to remain in fellowship with other believers and that they would become an encouragement to others in their faith and their walk with the Lord. And if they’re not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in them a longing for belonging, a craving for a place at God’s table and an insatiable need for fellowship and encouragement from believers. Pray they would become a source of joy for other believers because of their commitment to the Lord.
Eucharistia. Pray without ceasing.
G2169 - eucharistia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2169/niv/mgnt/0-1/
The family of god - Bill Gaither. SongLyrics.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.songlyrics.com/bill-gaither/the-family-of-god-lyrics/