Jesus is still talking about prayers. When we are praying, it is a great time to ask for forgiveness… and to offer forgiveness to those who may have done wrong to us. You can forgive them…even if they haven’t asked for that forgiveness. Otherwise, those sins or issues or faults or whatever you are holding against them will get in the way of the forgiveness which Christ offers to YOU. For some of us, forgiveness is a hard topic to put into action. It seems to us that they should get what’s coming to them. It seems to us that they should feel sorry for what they did. It seems to us that they should be begging us for forgiveness. STOP! Forgiveness is about you. Will you forgive others JUST as Christ has forgiven you. So, be quick to forgive. It will free up your mind and spirit for the greater things that God has planned for you.
Take a minute to send along this verse to those who you feel may need it the most… and it could be a long list of people. Ask if they are quick to forgive others that may have done them wrong. Ask if others have asked them for forgiveness. Listen to their responses. Remind them that if they are keeping score on who has yet to ask them for forgiveness (and it may be years ago), then they are not understanding the nature of forgiveness and grace. Please remember to Time For God’s Word© every day as you pray and as you seek or offer forgiveness or at 11:26 am or pm. Then as you recall this verse, be sure to thank God for His continual forgiveness to us. You may find it helpful to print out this verse card as well but as regular verse sized verse card (with a few extras to share). Put it where you will see it often. We ALL need this reminder. That is why Jesus refers to it frequently. He doesn’t want this to prevent our love and prayers to God to be interrupted by our own failure to forgive. Forgiveness will set you free.
We continue to pray for all the youth music programs and choirs within our churches and fellowship groups. These are so important as a part of the spiritual development of our children and our grandchildren. Music touches the mind and the heart. Great words… memorable tunes… excited kids singing and clapping… it makes my heart glad to see the next generations express themselves through their songs and musical instruments. Cheer them on. Support them. Encourage their leaders. Be a great blessing by keeping them in your prayers often. Pass it on through your willing forgiveness towards others as we are showing just a glimpse of what Christ has done to forgive us.
