Open Heaven For Teens 8 January 2022: The Merciful
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TOPIC: The Merciful [Open Heaven for Teens 8 January 2022]
MEMORISE: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
READ: Matthew 18:23-35 (KJV)
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 7; Genesis 20-22;
MESSAGE:
The merciful are those who show mercy even when someone hurts them. From our Bible passage for today, Jesus used the parable of the servant who refused to show mercy to a debtor even after receiving pardon from his master. The master in his judgement revoked his mercy and threw the unmerciful servant into prison. No wonder The Beatitudes state that the merciful shall obtain mercy.. (Matthew 5:7)
How do you treat your friends and siblings when they offend you? Do you react in anger, shove them aside or insist on getting your pound of flesh? In Matthew 6:14, Jesus said:
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
God therefore expects every child of His to forgive even before being offended.
Being merciful is not just about showing mercy to offenders. If, for instance you find it difficult to help the needy, especially when it lies within your power, you are not merciful. Do you want God and man to show you mercy? Be merciful.
KEY POINT: Father, please show me mercy.
HYMN: Sing hymn 18
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.