“The Spirit-revealed recognition of our own sin and awareness of God’s overwhelming forgiveness that we submit to others in love, granting them forgiveness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 12, 2021
By Jill Hooper
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
After our first argument in marriage, my husband came and asked my forgiveness. To be honest, my emotions were still high and I didn’t want to forgive him. Looking back at that (and more than a few other occasions), I see what a stubborn, self-righteous heart I had (still have at times) and how I let my anger, hurt and pride rule my actions. God has taught me a lot about forgiving others by my husband’s example and through my own need of forgiveness every day. The ultimate teacher on forgiveness is Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus looked at those hurting Him and asked God to forgive them. He was stripped of every right He had as the God of the universe and even as an innocent man. He was looking at us and all our sin saying, “Just as you are child, I forgive you and love you immensely.” He didn’t diminish our sin. The atrocity of the cross reveals that to us. He chose to forgive us even in the face of the extent of our sinfulness.
In this Spirit-revealed recognition of our own sin and awareness of His overwhelming forgiveness that we submit to others in love, granting them forgiveness. “He who is forgiven much loves much.” (Luke 7:47)
God commands us to forgive from the heart. It is a choice we make with our minds, an action we take with our wills, and a decision to work through emotional pain and anger with God, receiving His comfort. Granting forgiveness is hard. Forgiveness that doesn’t cost us isn’t true forgiveness. It requires us to level our pride and release our rights. Because God commands it, we know we already have every resource we need to obey Him. “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”(Philippians 4:13)
Prayer
Father, I want to obey you, but sometimes I really don’t want to forgive. Please forgive me and help my unbelief. You have given me all I need in order to forgive. Help me walk in that truth.
Application
Ask God to increasingly reveal your sin so that you will see how much you are forgiven and be able to more easily forgive out of that humility.
Related Reading
Matthew 6:14; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18:21-22
Start the new year with Boyd’s newest 365 day devotional book: Seeking God’s Heart
Worship Resource
3 minute worship video- Tenth Avenue North:
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
