1/22/09

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:21-35
The Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall i forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Observation:
These 2 verses begin the lesson on forgiveness. We count acts of forgiveness as if we were waking withdrawals from the bank. We choose how much to forgive and how to forgive. Not so with God. Through Christ all are forgiven who confess sins, profess Christ as Lord and live in grace.
Application:
I must remember asking forgiveness is a process of growing in faith. Asking for forgiveness is not just asking God to forgive my actions but asking my sisters and brothers i have sinned against. I must also do this when my actions against others have been unintentional.
Prayer:
Lord forgive me for when I have sinned against you and my sisters and brothers in this world.
Yield:
I must ask forgiveness of those i have hurt and not recount the sins of others.