Marie’s daily verse: Isaiah 30:18 NLT

“The LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! ”

DAILY DEVOTION, December 12, 2022

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, (Colossians 3:13).

It would be nice if we could sail through life and never have anyone step on our toes. Unfortunately, that will never happen. We have all had our feelings hurt more than once. Sadly, it is often fellow Christians who wound us. I have felt betrayed by fellow Christians more than once. Should I hate them? Should I try to get even? Our passage tells us to forgive, to bear with one another when we have a grievance. This is a theme I have preached on often because it is so important.

But why should we forgive others? Paul states it simply. We forgive because we have been forgiven by the Lord. We have stomped on God’s commandments time and time again. We have offended our Creator, our holy God. Nevertheless, He sent His Son to atone for our sins. Those who trust in Jesus are forgiven. When you are nursing hurt feelings, think about how God has forgiven you. Dwell on it. Let God’s forgiveness soften your heart. Are you wiser than God? If He forgives you, can’t you forgive others? You really need to (see Matthew 6:15).

Father, I am so thankful that my sin burden has been lifted. I thank You so much for the forgiveness Jesus has provided for me. I want to be like Jesus and forgive others. Please help me. In His name I pray, Amen.

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