Text: Luke 17:1 NKJV
Further Reading: Luke 17:1-4
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
Luke 17:1 NKJV
MESSAGE
The Lord told us that offence will come. It means that people will offend you or you may offend people but one thing to note is that God wants us to forgive men. Christians must know that forgiveness is an inevitable prerequisite to receive divine pardon.
The Bible says that when a man is merciful only will such receive mercy (Matthew 5:6).
In Matthew 6:12, the Bible says we must ask God to forgive you your sin on the condition that you forgive others.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
Jesus also said that God does not value your gift if you have not gone to make peace with someone who offends you.
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV
Forgiveness must come from your heart, it must be what you are willing to show to even people who did not deserve.
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Matthew 18:35 NKJV
Ask God for the grace to forgive all men with all your heart. May God’s mercy speak for you. Amen.
REFLECTION
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Luke 23:34 NKJV
Ask God for the grace to forgive men even as God forgives your sin. Jesus gave us the example of forgiveness to follow, we must not fail in following Him in forgiving others dutifully.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to forgive all men even as you always forgive me. Amen.
