Rhapsody of Realities 2 May 2020 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome — Forgiveness Is Imperative
Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES
Topic: Forgiveness Is Imperative
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).
Forgiving others of their wrong isn’t an option for a child of God. If you ever have an issue with anyone, whether your brothers and sisters in the Lord, or with outsiders, don’t let it go beyond that day. The Bible says, “…Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26).
Also read: Open Heaven 2 May 2020 – Love: The Most Essential Gift of the Spirit
But what if you forgive them and they wrong you again the next day? You’ll have to forgive again. That’s what we read in our opening scripture. Jesus said we’re to forgive others “seventy times seven” times, in response to Peter’s question. That number symbolizes boundlessness. And these things were written for our learning, for our admonition. In essence, Jesus was saying, “Forgive, no matter how many times someone offends you,” because you have enough capacity to forgive.
If Christ Jesus forgave you, why should there be anything too much for you to forgive? The Bible says, “Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you” (Colossians 3:13 CEV). Someone may say, “I’ll never forgive so- and-so, because what he did was so terrible”; no! Not when you’re born again. We have the nature of God to forgive. This is why forgiveness is imperative; it’s not a piece of advice. You must always forgive, and quickly too. Let God’s love in your heart flow through you lavishly.
CONFESSION:
The love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit; that love mantles my heart and mind, causing me to see others as God sees them. There’s no one and there’s no wrong I can’t forgive. I have the capacity to absolve others of their faults, and demonstrate the God-nature in me; the nature of love, through my words and actions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Mark 11:25; And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
1 Peter 4:8 CEV; Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.
Ephesians 4:32; And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 24:36-53; 2 Samuel 12-14
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 2:12-16; Psalm 145-146
Rhapsody of Realities 2nd May 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.