Scripture to Read: Luke 17:3B-4
Jesus transitioned from discussing temptations to the issue of forgiveness. We read in Luke 17:3b–4, “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others who have hurt and/or offended us. Giving forgiveness in the way that Christ commands is impossible apart from being fully surrendered to Christ as Lord of our lives. God tells us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Then, God tells us again in Colossians 3:12–13, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” According to our Lord, we are to forgive in the same way God the Father has forgiven us through Christ our King. Through Christ, we have been completely forgiven of all our sins—past, present, and even future. God’s forgiveness through Christ is complete and unconditional. Again, to be able to forgive others this way, we must have a deep and abiding intimacy with our Lord, for only through His strength, which He gives us through His Holy Spirit in us, can we forgive in the way He has commanded.
Challenge & Application
What has been your greatest hindrance in the past when it came to forgiving someone?
Now that you know how you are to forgive others, how will you follow through in obedience to our Lord’s command?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!