cheerful forgiver
“That is why the reign of God may be said to be like a king who decided to settle accounts with his officials.” —Matthew 18:23
When Jesus taught us to pray, He told us to ask for forgiveness as we forgive others (Mt 6:12). We should not only forgive, but forgive one another graciously as we wish our Father to forgive us. God wants us to forgive from our hearts (Mt 18:35), not grudgingly, but as both a cheerful giver and forgiver (2 Cor 9:7). He calls us to forgive even before the other person apologizes; to give pardon before, to “be fore-giving.”
Our Father reaffirms His love for us when He forgives us. He calls us to do the same. “Therefore...reaffirm your love for Him” (2 Cor 2:8). Our Father forgives us in style. He embraces and kisses us (Lk 15:20). He puts the finest robes on us, rings on our fingers, and shoes on our feet (Lk 15:22). He forgives so graciously we feel like forgiving ourselves in imitation of Him. He even makes excuses for us: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). He forgives us lavishly. That’s our Father and how He wants to forgive us, as we forgive one another.
Prayer: Father, may I forgive everyone in grand style, as You do, and be forgiven accordingly.
Promise: “So let our sacrifice be in Your presence today as we follow You unreservedly; for those who trust in You cannot be put to shame.” —Dn 3:40
Praise: Dr. Tim, a surgeon, prays with his patients before performing the operation.
Reference: (For a related teaching on 14 Questions on Forgiveness, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)
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