Thursday, June 15, 2000

VERSE:

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

-- Matthew 6:15

http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Matthew+6:15

THOUGHT:

Forgiveness comes in many forms. They may be smiles, hugs, conversation, laughter, even tears. They are ways in which we say even though things did not work out best, I still love you and want to be in relationship with you. Moreover, I don't want you to spend more time feeling unworthy about yourself, rather I want us to move on. It also says, learn something from it and lets seek out ways for this to not happen again.

On the other hand, to allow a wrong doing or offense to fester and build up a barrier between you and another is to say, you're not worth it, in fact, I want you to feel miserable about what you have done, because you are a miserable person. We see this with silence, glares, verbal battery, and even physical violence.

Hear the Good News, by all rights, God should be so hurt by all that we have one and continue to do, but out of love and compassion, He extends to us an open hand and says, through Jesus, I love you, let's get things right so we can move on together.

If God extends this compassion and love to you, unconditionally, should you not extend this to others? Remember sin is sin, and it is not fair, nor is it right to judge one sin greater than another. God forgives you, can you forgive others?

PRAYER:

Gracious Father, Thank You for the forgiveness and love You have extended to me. Allow me to extend that same compassion, love and mercy to others I encounter. Please help me to move toward reconciliation with those I need to and by Your grace, let me share all You have in my life with others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.