A reminder for
today
Jesus saith unto
him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:22)
I have written many posts on forgiveness. But it always
seems to be an important part of who we are as Christians. Forgiveness always
begins with me whether I need forgiveness or I need to forgive. Jesus said to
Peter that you must forgive seventy times seven. Jesus wants us to remember
that forgiveness is an ongoing life process. This chapter in Matthew is quite
important, because Jesus starts with children and then goes on to make it clear
that He came for the lost. It is here where He starts to talk about forgiveness
and then uses a parable to explain forgiveness where a servant owes king money
and then pleads for his life and promises to repay the king, but when he meets
his first debtor he does not show the same compassion. The king hears of this
and condemns the servant.
How can we ask for forgiveness if we cannot forgive? How can
we fully experience grace if we are chained and burdened with anger and hatred?
How can we expect God to show us mercy when we have no idea what it means to
have mercy?
Jesus said that we must love one another as we love
ourselves. Love overcomes all, but love is sometimes difficult, because it is
hidden behind irritation and anger. You see a loving heart does not seek to
dispute or fight or be angry. We need to be so careful how we live and what we
do and say. How can we expect people to believe the gospel when do not even reflect
that which Jesus taught us? If you want a fitness expert to help you will
rather listen to the one who looks the part and have the experience. You will
only trust their guidance when you see the results in their lives. Is it not
the same with us? We must live what we believe and most importantly we must
show what we believe. It starts with you so do not look at someone else.
Come with me today as we show Jesus and live by His guidance.
Let the Holy Spirit be your guide and listen to His voice.
Lord, help us to live lives that reflect and resemble who
you are. Let us love and forgive and help and guide. Let us be a voice for you
and ear that will listen and a hand that will help. In Jesus name.
Have an awesome day, dear friend of Jesus.
Cheers
