Daily Bread 2-21-18

The Sermon on the mount(cont'd)

Matthew 6:14,15

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

ref. - Mk 11:25 - And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses.

Eph 4:32 - And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Mt 18:35 - So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

This is not a suggestion. This is a commandment from Christ that we must follow out of our own hearts if we want the favour of God. If we do not have forgiveness, we have nothing. To achieve forgiveness, we also have to practice it. Remember, we are not always going to get forgiveness from those who have offended or trespassed against us as not all people serve the same Master. We as Christians serve the one whom we want forgiveness from, God in Jesus Christ. If we want his forgiveness, we must first forgive those who are indebted or in trespass to us. Therefore, we must march to the beat of his drum. Not only out of necessity but out of willingness of mind.(2Co 9:7,Philemon 1:14) So, how do we receive this forgiving, merciful way? We pray as Christ has instructed us and let God put a change in us. We will not only forgive, but, as we are blessed more and more, we will realize that this is the way that is is supposed to be. This transformation and our actions will fight against what we have learned from the world. It will not be accepted among worldly carnal people. But if we receive this Holy Spirit in our souls it will drive us to be the different people that we are supposed to be. As we stated in the last lesson, owe no man anything. In the previous verses we spoke of good things but this also includes anger, jealousy, resentment, hatred , eye for an eye, etc. Even if they "have it coming" it should not come from us as we are told that vengeance does not belong to us, it belongs to God.(Ro 12:19) If we are in obedience and have been transformed we will be taken care of by someone who will never be defeated. So, once again, let us go to our knees in prayer only after we have forgiven those who have wronged us.(Mt 5:23, Mk 11:25) If we have not or can not forgive them we must rather pray for the Spirit that will allow us to forgive them. It will be then, and then alone, that God will release his forgiveness on us and progress us into his disciples. We shall not stand as pharisees in high seats, looking down our noses, we shall forgive ,get back behind Christ, and be forgiven. As God is our witness, let everything be done decently, and in order.(1Co 14:40) Have a great day!!!