January 26, 2019
What does it say?
Jesus explained that greatness begins with humility. He taught His disciples how to deal with sin and commanded unlimited forgiveness to all who belong to His kingdom.
What does it mean?
To live on Earth as a kingdom citizen requires a countercultural mindset: greatness is accomplished through humility; sin is not overlooked, but confronted with the goal of restoration; and forgiveness has no limit. The Christian forgives offenses because he or she has been forgiven. The debt, which is the penalty for sin, has been canceled by God’s mercy in Jesus’ sin payment at Calvary. The debt one person owes another is miniscule compared to what God in mercy has forgiven each believer. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a command that God will enable you to obey.
How should I respond?
God’s forgiveness toward you should be the measure of your forgiveness toward others. When you realize how much you have been forgiven, you are faced with the decision of how you will respond to those who have hurt you and caused you pain. Whom do you need to forgive? Are you willing to forgive an unlimited number of times? He may guide you to distance yourself from a person who continues to hurt you, but since you freely received God’s forgiveness, you should freely forgive.