Day Three:  Believe the Truth of God’s Word

Focus Scripture

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Devotion

What we can see is easy to accept. We know the grass is green because we can see it. There is no need to rely on faith when sight provides us with the evidence needed to believe.

The challenge comes with things we cannot see. Our certainty gets a little shaky when we can’t depend on our sight. Sometimes, if we are honest, this impacts what we believe about God because He is invisible. 

We may wonder if God is really there. We may doubt His love for us. We may question whether it matters if we forgive or not. We may question the validity of His words.

Belief, however, is a pivotal component of forgiveness. The motivation to forgive hinges on the belief that we have first been forgiven by way of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Out of gratitude for the debt He paid on our behalf, we offer the same forgiveness we are recipients of. Our ability to forgive is rooted in the supernatural work of God. Yes, we take practical steps to forgive as an act of our will, but God does heart surgery that only He can do. He is the difference-maker.

Forgiveness cannot and should not be done in our own strength. We need God’s help. This requires belief in Him and His ability to do the impossible.

If we do not believe in Jesus or his sacrificial death, our motivation to forgive will be based on willpower.  

Relying on our limited strength to consistently forgive will not be enough to sustain us. Willpower can only take us so far. Eventually, pain endured, or repeat offenses and offenders, will wear us down until we opt out of forgiveness altogether.  

That is not optional for believers. As tempting as it is, we cannot forgo forgiving others. God commands us to forgive because He knows and wants what is best for us. Belief in the nature of God and His genuine concern for His people give us peace to know that He will right our wrongs. He will vindicate us. We can choose to place our complete faith in Him and know with unwavering confidence that He will take care of us when we are wronged. We do not have to do it for ourselves. Place your faith in God who can be trusted. I dare you! 

Reflective Questions

What do I need to believe about God and His love for me in order to forgive? What do I need to believe about my need to forgive?