~~~ Daniel 3:25, 34-43 ~~~ Psalm 25 ~~~ Matthew 18:21-35 ~~~
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?
Jesus expects us to forgive
others just as we expect him to forgive us.
How would you feel if God took as long to forgive you
as you took to forgive others?
Is it right to hold God to a higher standard
than we would hold ourselves?
God never tires of forgiving us.
Even when we make less than perfect attempts
at seeking his forgiveness...
he says okay I know you are trying.
God recognizes that we are trying to be holy...
no matter how weak we are at making progress.
...with contrite heart and humble spirit
let us be received...
It is necessary for us to come in humility
to God when seeking his forgiveness.
It is a waste of our time and God's time
if we are not sorry for our sins.
Being sorry does not mean that tomorrow
you can return to business as normal...
committing the same sins over and over again.
We must choose to follow Jesus with our whole heart.
We cannot hold back part of our heart from Jesus.
Sometimes it is beneficial to have a healthy fear of the Lord.
Fear can be a powerful motivation,
but it should not be the most important one.
Our God is slow to anger, abundant in kindness,
and eager to give us his mercy.
Remember your mercies, O Lord.
Let the mercies you receive from God
be the guide for your own degrees of mercy.
The forgiveness and mercy of God sets the standard.
God holds the bar of forgiveness high, but not unattainable.
God sustains us with his love and his grace.
Forgiveness is our life long task.
Surprise someone this Lent.
forgive them as God inspires you to forgive.
Return to God with your whole heart...
That means you do not hold back
a piece to harbor your anger for even
one person who has wronged you.
Now is the time to forgive.
Blessed to be freed through his mercy.
~~~Peace~~~
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