S - 1
John 1:8-9 (NIV): “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
O - When
we think of the need all of us have for forgiveness these verses are clear but
they are not complete. Jesus has
something to say about forgiveness … an essential instruction which includes
MORE than confessing. Jesus says
(Matthew 6:14-15) "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their
sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." This unflinching reality is
repeated by Jesus (Matthew 18:35; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37). It also forms the
basis for how he teaches us to pray and receive forgiveness (Matthew 6:12; Luke
11:4). According to Jesus, we must not deceive ourselves into thinking that we
will be granted forgiveness if we are unwilling to give it. Loving God with all we are and our neighbors
as ourselves is always the most important, the greatest commandment. Jesus tell
us that everything hangs on these and if we do them we will live (cf. Matthew
22:40; Luke 10:28).
A - As a
follower of Jesus why would I think that confessing alone would be enough to
garner forgiveness when the One I'm following repeatedly says it won’t? Perhaps it’s because I was taught to
separate my standing with God from human's standing with me. This is a separation Jesus never condones or
allows and one the Scriptures do not present us. Today I will not only be a
consumer of forgiveness but a distributer as well; a combination keeping me
from deception and near Jesus.
P - Lord
who is quick to forgive,
Thank you for insisting that
I learn this response toward all others and not just try and "get my
own" from you. I'm choosing to
forgive any and all … and welcoming the relief of loving others the way I'm
being loved by you. Thank you for the
superlatives--the greatest and most important activity of any day, hour,
circumstance and/or situation. Lord, I
will love you back and my neighbors as myself.
Glad to be near Jesus,
Steve
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