Saturday April 13, 2013

Read Matthew 6:12-15. Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus spends more time in the Lord’s prayer and it’s exposition on forgiveness than on any other topic throughout the Sermon on the Mount. Don’t you find that fascinating? It’s basically because our human nature this side of heaven finds it very hard to let go of hurts, to turn the other cheek and to offer genuine, heartfelt forgiveness.

 

Even as we seek forgiveness through the Lord’s Prayer, the words sting in our heart. Do we honestly want to ask God to forgive us in the same way or to the same degree that we have forgiven others? Do we want God to treat us the way that we have treated others? That’s a scary thought when we recall that we have often forgiven only in word but not in heart. It’s scary to think that we can mouth out the words, ‘I forgive you’ but not really mean it. It’s hard to admit that we can say the words but still cling to hurt and anger and revenge in our heart. It’s amazing that our memory can improve dramatically when that same person sins against us yet again and we blast them without any remorse whatsoever.

 

When we pray this part of the Lord’s prayer we are asking God to treat us as we have treated others. It’s a bold prayer to pray but also one that necessitates action on my part. I need to be forgiving and letting go of the sins of others against me. I need to make sure that I offer forgiveness to those who hurt me or inconvenience me or let me down or refuse to dance to my tune.

 

In fact, withholding forgiveness from others is a sure sign that the particular person has neither received nor understood the forgiveness offered by God.

 

A church goer may pray elaborate prayers. They might sing with a voice like an angel. They might even preach powerfully but if they harbour unforgiveness, it’s a clear sign that they have not received nor experienced God’s own forgiveness. When we know deep in our heart that our debt to God is cancelled or more correctly, paid in full, we will joyously and willingly forgive those who have a debt against us. What we receive from God flows outwards into the lives of others.

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

Pray that your congregation and every individual in it would be a forgiving individual enjoying the love/forgiveness of God and offering forgiveness to others. Pray that strained or broken relationships will be restored and renewed. Pray that a spirit of love and togetherness would come upon your congregation.

¥ Pray that God would be upholding and strengthening the other churches in your area. Pray that all the churches would work together in unity and harmony to bring the gospel to the entire region.

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Why is forgiveness so necessary among God’s people?

2. What happens if we refuse to forgive those who have hurt us or sinned against us?