Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 27, 2022
Read Matthew 18:15-22
15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister. 16 But if they won’t listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. 17 But if they still won’t pay attention, report it to the church. If they won’t pay attention even to the church, treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector. 18 I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. 19 Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” 21 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times.
Good morning! 22 Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times.
Forgiveness is a challenging concept for humans. We can think of the two children who are encouraged or even required to apologize to one another even when neither forgives the other. The very begrudgingly uttered “I’m sorry.” I can also think of adults, even family members, who have parted ways and refused to speak to the other for so many years they may not even remember the details, just that they “hate” one another.
Jesus calls us to forgive one another as many times as it takes. This was a new concept for the disciples of Jesus’ time and for us. We tend to lean more towards an understanding that our forgiveness has limits. For example, “This is your last chance.” We would be a sorry lot if God parceled out forgiveness as we, God’s children, do. We are sinners for whom Jesus died so that we might be forgiven and saved.
The saddest part of holding grudges or refusing to forgive someone is the separation that the rift causes. Over time, the rift can become a chasm that can not easily be closed. Years of separation, for what? Christ teaches us to join together in the one body so that no one will be left alone to struggle in their times of need. The larger the body, the more gifts are gathered so that all may support and love one another. Forgive one another as Christ forgives us.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are one in the Holy Spirit and one in Christ. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God does not want me to struggle alone.
Forgive one another! Pastor Liz
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