Step/Week 9, Day 5 – Forgiveness and Grace: Accepted by God’s Love
May 6, 2020 1166
“Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Col. 3:13, TLB).
I touched on this topic in yesterday’s devotional. That God loves you so much, that He was willing to send His Son to the cross to die for you. Is that not truly amazing? That must make you realise how much God loves you. It’s like Rom. 5:8 says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners”. Do you see the depth of God’s mercy and love in His actions? He was determined to find a way to save sinners like you and me, from eternal separation from Him.
He has put you on the path to recovery, but also on the path that leads to eternal life. He has saved you! He has forgiven you, too! God’s love, grace and forgiveness are new every morning for you to live in.
Today’s reading points you to a timely piece of teaching, as you prepare to make your amends to others you’ve hurt. God doesn’t hold grudges like we do. It’s not in His nature. It is hopefully a character defect that God is working on in your life. By showing your willingness to want to make amends and to actually make those amends, you are showing how God is working in your life to be able to forgive others.
Try to be gentle with the people you’re offering your amends to. Remember how much God has forgiven you and how much He loves you. These are the attributes you can develop in your life, so that you are willing to forgive those who have hurt you, because God forgave you first. He is your example to follow!
– Graham Hood
Personal Reflection: Do you realise you are compelled to forgive others, because God has forgiven you, so many times? If you are holding any grudges, ask Him, in prayer, to work on that character defect. Ask Him to help you be willing to forgive and to give you the strength and grace to do just that. Know how much God loves you! Live in that love, daily!
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