Bible Reading: Exodus 19,20; Matthew 18:19-35
“Then Peter came to him, said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” Matthew 18:21 (KJV).
There are so many qualities of a child that we must do well to observe and follow. A child is innocent, trusting, forgiving, believes without complication, always joyful, humble, content in little things, and takes to heart whatever they are told in all simplicity. Forgiveness is very important.
When it comes to the issue of forgiveness, Christians ought to be like children. Satan has a foothold in the lives of many because of their inability to let go or forgive. Jesus told Peter in Matthew 18:22 that he should forgive Seventy-seven times seven. This means that it should be our lifestyle, just like it is to God and children.
Forgiving others is a requirement to get our own forgiveness from God. Matthew 7:14-15 (KJV), “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiving others is actually you doing yourself a favour.
As God’s representatives on earth, we must always forgive. Psalm 103:3 (NLT), says one of the benefits of serving God is that “He forgives all my sins.” Verse 10 says, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” He has set the standard we must follow this standard.
As you begin to live a lifestyle of forgivesness just like a child, your heart becomes pure you will see God walking with you. Remember, only the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8).
Prayer: Father, thank You for the grace to live a lifestyle of forgiveness.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu