+DEV+ Forgive and Be Forgiven

Date: July 5, 2011 11:05 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Forgive and Be Forgiven

Forgive and Be Forgiven

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (JAMES 2:12-13)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus told the parable of a master who settled accounts that were owed him. One servant fell to his knees, begging for time to pay back his huge debt. The sympathetic master forgave the servant. Ungratefully, the servant found and tackled a second servant who owed him a small debt. The second servant fell to his knees, begging for mercy. The unforgiving servant - one who already had been shown tremendous grace - refused to forgive a much smaller debt than his own. It's easy to see why the master would throw the unforgiving servant into jail.

We read this story and wonder how the first fellow could be so foolish when such great compassion was shown to him. Yet when we come face to face with our own merciless spirit, we see that we are very much like him.

An unforgiving attitude tortures you, keeping you awake at night. Physical ailments may follow. Instead of clenching your fist, open your hands toward heaven - to the One who has forgiven you! - and say aloud, "Lord, I forgive the person who has wronged me."

Insight: It's more important for you to be forgiving than it is for you to be right. release your unforgiving spirit and find freedom in Christ.