Every Good Gift: A 28-Day Advent DevotionalSample

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

We never have to wonder if forgiveness is God’s will. It always is. Jesus tells us that as we show mercy, so it shall be shown to us. But when we think about how often we are hurt by others or they are hurt by us, we wonder how do we forgive like Jesus? How do we show this kind of mercy when we are deeply hurt? 

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:22)

Jesus charges us to forgive as many times as we are wronged.

Once again, we are reminded that to do anything as Jesus did, is to become more like Him. 

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Jesus came to call the sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32) He came as God’s letter of forgiveness to a sinful world. To everyone He met, touched and healed, He would say: your sins are forgiven. Jesus was showing us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the enemy of our soul. (Ephesians 6:12) He forgave sins and cast out evil spirits. When we have this revelation, we can forgive freely. When we understand that the enemy has mastered ways to turn people against their loved ones through offense and bitterness, then will we be quick to offer forgiveness so that we can open the door to reconciliation and restoration, just as Jesus has for us. 

Forgiveness always leads to joy. It’s often not an easy road, but it is always one that is worth taking for the joy that will surely follow. 

Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to begin this work in us this Christmas, so that we can recognize that people are not the enemy.  That the one enemy we have, Jesus has put under His feet. (Psalm 110:1) Doesn’t that just put a spring in your step?

Prayer:

Precious Holy Spirit, I give You full permission to begin Your glorious work within me. Create within me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. Settle within me the revelation that I do not wrestle against people. Help me to see that You have won all the victory for me so that I can forgive quickly, truly find mercy and experience the joy of restored relationships. Amen.