Great heroes of the Bible were able to forgive. Because they were able to forgive, they were able to pray. Daniel lived an exemplary life when he both forgave and identified with the people. While praying for his people he was able to say, “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.” (Dan. 9:9 NKJV)
It isn’t easy to forgive. Sometimes we feel victimized. When that’s the case, forgiving means yielding what is rightfully ours. That even offends our sense of justice. At other times we don’t want to forgive because we don’t want to admit we were wrong. Our self-image is at stake.
Whatever our reason, failure to forgive hinders prayer because it separates us from God. The consequence of not forgiving is severe. Jesus said, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mk. 11:26 NKJV)
So we must forgive and we can. Like Daniel, we need to remember that forgiveness belongs to and comes from our God. We look to Jesus. His standards are high but His mercy is unlimited. He invites us to receive His Life—and the forgiveness resident within Him.
Originally published November 6, 1992.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.
.
It isn’t easy to forgive. Sometimes we feel victimized. When that’s the case, forgiving means yielding what is rightfully ours. That even offends our sense of justice. At other times we don’t want to forgive because we don’t want to admit we were wrong. Our self-image is at stake.
Whatever our reason, failure to forgive hinders prayer because it separates us from God. The consequence of not forgiving is severe. Jesus said, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mk. 11:26 NKJV)
So we must forgive and we can. Like Daniel, we need to remember that forgiveness belongs to and comes from our God. We look to Jesus. His standards are high but His mercy is unlimited. He invites us to receive His Life—and the forgiveness resident within Him.
Originally published November 6, 1992.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.
.
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