Scripture teaches that God offers us extravagant forgiveness when we turn to Him and confess our sins. His forgiveness is an undeserved gift to us. Forgiveness is not meant only to be received. It is meant to be offered to others as well. Jesus taught His disciples that we are to forgive just as we have been forgiven.
Jesus taught about prayer in Matthew 6. As He taught about prayer, he explained the importance of forgiveness. He taught listeners to ask for forgiveness and to pray, "Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" (verse 12). This prayer has two parts. The first part of this prayer is asking God to forgive us for our sins, the times we have disobeyed Him and broken His heart. Acknowledging our sins is essential because it causes us to recognize how devastating and severe our sins are. It allows us to tell God, "I am sorry." The second part of this prayer request is to forgive us "as we have been forgiven those who sin against us" (verse 12). This verse reminds us that because God has forgiven us, we must show the same forgiveness He has shown us. Jesus continued teaching about forgiveness, saying, "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins" (verses 14-15). According to this verse, unforgiveness is a direct affront to God. After all, we have been shown such incredible forgiveness from Him. How could we not extend that same forgiveness to others?
So, who do you need to forgive today? Will you take that step of forgiveness today? If you have been lavishly forgiven, and you have, you, too, must forgive just as lavishly.
Have you been harboring unforgiveness? It is time today to forgive. Choose to let go of the bitterness that you have been feeling and forgive the person who has hurt you. As you forgive, remember just how extravagantly you have been forgiven.
"One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
3 "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Teaching about Salt and Light
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Teaching about the Law
17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved."
