Love God Greatly: You Are ForgivenSample

SOAP – Matthew 18:21-22
As we think of the number of times that we have sinned against our holy God, we understand the immense graciousness and mercy that pardons the guilty. We are commanded to forgive others just as God in Christ has forgiven us. God’s forgiveness costs us nothing. Forgiveness is granted completely and without limitation. God knows how difficult a command this is, so He has helped us. Not only has God forgiven us, but He has given us Christ’s power to forgive and a new heart filled with the Holy Spirit’s willingness to forgive.

With whom am I limiting my forgiveness? Imagine if God only forgave us for a limited number of sins of His choosing. Receiving God’s forgiveness is not a matter of “feeling forgiven,” but simply trusting God and His promises. Likewise, forgiving others is not a matter of “feeling,” but is an act of will based on our response to God’s great love for us.

Father God, I thank You for Your abundant and complete forgiveness of all of the sin that I have done or will ever do. Lord, give me the will to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Remind me that forgiveness is not for them, but for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.