FEB 19, 2020

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-15

Memory Verse: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13

Sing the hymn: “Let Others See Jesus In You” on page 104. Pastor E.A. Adeboye made a very deep remark on this subject. Hear Him: To forgive is to decide to reject feelings of resentment between you and a person who has wronged you. This isn’t always easy, especially when a person has really hurt and trampled on you. However, forgiveness is a mandate for Christians; no one can profess to be a genuine Christian and not live a lifestyle of forgiveness. Our Lord said to us in Matthew 6:15: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This verse clearly states what happens when we refuse to forgive anyone who wrongs us: we too will not be forgiven by our heavenly Father.

In other words, forgiving our offenders isn’t just an instruction to be obeyed; it is a matter of life or death for us, because if our sins are not forgiven, then we are doomed eternally. Unforgiveness is therefore not something to be toyed with at all. Why should two Christians live under the same roof or in the same compound and they are full of unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred and resentment against each other? As partakers of His divine nature, God expects us to take on the character of His forgiveness. Observe Jeremiah 31:34, “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: FOR I WILL FORGIVE THEIR INIQUITY, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SIN NO MORE.”

This verse is telling us that forgiveness should not be temporary. In other words, when you forgive, God expects you to forgive once and for all. As a child of God therefore, you don’t see someone you supposedly forgave months ago and immediately feel resentment for that fellow. When you forgive someone, you forever let go of every hurt and pain that the fellow caused you. Another character of forgiveness is that it takes just one person to forgive. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation where the two parties involved are required to meet and make up. With forgiveness, you don’t have to wait for the person who offended you to come and apologize for whatever they did. You have to forgive even before being asked. Forgiveness is not about the fellow who offended you; it is about you and your relationship with God. Forgiveness is not easy. In fact, it can be extremely difficult to forgive, but as a Christian, you are required to forgive no matter how hard it is. Are you walking in forgiveness?

Action Point: Do you want to make heaven? Has anyone offended you? Forgive them today.

Quote: To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you –C.S. Lewis

Prophetic Decree: Receive the Oil of Grace to ease every pain, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus:

1. My Father, I humble myself before you, deliver me from hurting feelings.

2. I receive grace to forgive (mention to name of the person concerned), in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, please ease off the pain in my heart, in Jesus name.

4. I break every stronghold and fortress of the enemy in my heart, in Jesus name.

5. I flush out toxic emotions of bitterness and resentment away from my heart, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 19-21