A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – April 1, 2020
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:11-12)
One of the biggest hindrances to our Christian walk is unforgiveness. We have all been hurt by someone. People have lied about us, betrayed us, stole from us, abused us, etc. It was the same in the time Jesus walked this earth, but in the end, he said Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Let’s take a look at some critical scriptures regarding forgiveness:
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5)
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:20-22)
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:15)
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:17)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
One of the things I want you to see through these scriptures is the heart of the Father. The heart of the Father is to forgive and that is what our heart should be about. Unforgiveness keeps us in bondage, not the other person. Christians are supposed to be known by their love. Unforgiveness makes you hard. It makes you super sensitive to the actions of others. It’s like you place a shield around yourself and are always distrustful of other people’s actions. You are trying to protect yourself from being hurt again. That is bondage!!!
Let me suggest something to you. Most of us have a lot of leisure time during this virus outbreak. Let’s use this time wisely. Ask God to reveal to you anybody that you have unforgiveness for. Make a list if you need to and then do what the Word of God tells us to do. Forgive that person!
