To Forgive

Scripture:
Matthew 6:7-15 (NIV)

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Devotional:

Do you need to forgive others?  Is there something you have buried in your heart that you just can’t let go of?  Pause a moment to reflect on these two thoughts.  After thinking about it consider this.  Jesus tells us to forgive others several times in the Bible.  In the Lord’s Prayer it clearly shows us that our forgiveness is dependent on forgiving others.  He also says the following in Matthew 5:23-23 (NIV):

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

Jesus died upon the cross so that your sins can be forgiven.  If He can forgive you shouldn’t you do likewise and forgive?  Jesus is our teacher and sets the example for us.  Are we greater than He?  Romans 12:20 (NIV):

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

We are blessed to have God’s word to guide our lives and our actions. Let us go forth and live by His words about forgiveness.