One More Reason
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Accra traffic can be unnerving sometimes. I was in one such traffic recently and wanted to change lanes but the driver on the left would not oblige me. I was compelled to drive straight on in the slower lane. Along the line, my lane started moving faster. then I realized the driver who would not give me way earlier on indicated to cut in front of me. The first thought that entered my head was to pay him back in his own coin. But I saw a very grateful smile break out on his face, after I stopped for him. I smiled back. I wonder what I would have gotten, and left with, if I had retaliated.
There is a saying that, “what goes round comes round.” The natural inclination and expectation is to pay “wrong” with “wrong.” So when we do the opposite, then that is unexpected, and sets us apart as a special breed of people.
But one more reason why we should forgive is that it is the only thing Jesus immediately elaborated on, and attached a reciprocal action from the Father to, when he taught the Lord’s prayer.
This is what Matthew 6:9-13 says;
This, then, is how you should pray:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
(Matthew 6:9-13 NIV)
After this, Jesus then said,
“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. (Matthew 6:14-15)
When Peter asked how many times we should forgive someone, in Matthew 18:21, Jesus took the opportunity to use a parable as illustration (Matthew 18:21-35). He concluded this parable thus,
“…In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.”
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:34-35)
This is one more reason to forgive: Our heavenly Father would also forgive us.
And His forgiveness comes with a lot of benefits: Peace with God and man, blessings from His manifold riches, maintaining our status as beloved children, and eternal glory hereafter.
The benefits of forgiveness far outweigh the costs!
One more reason; one more very, very good reason!
MEMORY VERSE
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
(Matthew 18:35)
QUESTIONS
What debts do others owe you?
Do you know that God’s forgiveness is tied to how we also forgive others?
PRAYER TIP
Father, I have one more reason to forgive; because You also forgave me.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church where you can Fellowship with like minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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