GENESIS 50:17 (ABP)
So Joseph's brothers sent him a message after their father died. “Before his death, our father commanded us to tell you, ‘You must forgive your brothers’ sins—all of them. For they treated you with inexcusable contempt when they sold you into slavery.’ Will you honor the dying wish of your father and forgive the sins of these servants of your father’s God?”
EPHESIANS 4:32 (MSG)
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
THE ESSENCE
Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
DAILY FODDER
Someone who has been deeply hurt needs to hear this word from God. Forgive the person who has wronged you. You don't need to embrace them as your best buddy but you need to let go of the crippling animosity that is building up. You can do this by focusing on how God has outrageously forgiven you through the actions of Christ Jesus. The power of forgiveness will begin to grow in you as you own the mercy that has been extended to you.
PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for forgiving me. I admit, though, that I don't freely forgive those who have done me wrong. Help be to grow in awareness of the enormity of the forgiveness that comes our way through the sacrifice and victory of our Savior Jesus. I'm going to start forgiving the people who haven't treated me right. And I'm going to stick with the process of forgiveness, even if it takes me the rest of my life. Amen.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
