FORGIVENESS OF OFFENSES: We Are Called To Forgive.

The theme for this week’s Devotional is Forgiveness of Offenses. We have all been down this street and our Team has penned some wonderful and timely encouragement for your hearts.

Responding correctly to offenses may be one of the most difficult and humbling responsibilities of a believer. We, in the flesh, are prone to fight back, hold grudges and to feel justified for the bitterness we feel toward someone who hurts us. It is only when we step back and remember the God we say we love and all He has done and desires for us.

God’s plan of redemption convicts us. You know in Matthew 6, Christ taught His disciples, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” An offense intensely grips the heart and mind. We must stand so guarded and prepared. Ready to show the love that only God can cause. Our righteous response may just win another to Christ.

What a reward we stand to receive if we only see offenses as tests we are fully equipped (in Christ) to ace! We have been given a great example of forgiveness in the human experience. Remember, Joseph (Genesis 46) and how he was reunited with his brothers during the time of famine in Canaan. Joseph probably felt some kind of way about his brothers and how they sold him into slavery. He, most likely, revisited his wailing thoughts of all that he had suffered because of them; however, he chose to forgive them and ensured their deliverance from the famine in the land. We learn there is growth and favor in fearing and pleasing our God, especially when we purpose to forgive.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for forgiving us even while we were Your enemies. You were our only hope of salvation. You were the only One qualified to rescue us. You purposed and deemed us valuable and worthy of Your forgiveness, love, and salvation. Thank You, Jesus...In Jesus’ name-Amen!
 By Sis. Lisa Williams