Forgive Others as God Forgave You

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.

1 John 3:14 (NIV)

I think it’s so important to remember that everything God asks us to do in His Word is for our benefit. I’ll admit, some things seem difficult. For instance, when the Lord instructs us to love our enemies and forgive those who mistreat us, I don’t immediately get excited (Matthew 5:44). However, over the years, I have learned that offering forgiveness and mercy is one of the greatest things we can ever do for others…and it brings an incredible amount of freedom to our own lives.

So, I ask you: Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to show them mercy? Is there someone you need to forgive?

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in resentment and stew about what someone did to us. However, God always forgives us for the wrong things we do and reminds us that, in His eyes, we are in right standing with Him. For this reason alone, we should never have an attitude of revenge or spend our time and energy trying to retaliate against someone who has hurt us. We have the privilege of giving mercy because God has given mercy to us.

People who withhold mercy from others are selfish. They would rather keep their anger and critical attitudes than to give mercy. Often, they are the same people who feel entitled to mercy when they have done something wrong. Truly selfish people take what they are not willing to give to others.

I encourage you to receive God’s mercy each day (as much as you need) and be ready to let it flow through you to others who need it. All you need to do is admit your sin to God, ask for forgiveness, receive it, and be ready to work with the Holy Spirit to develop loving, merciful, and forgiving attitudes toward others. The more you learn to receive God’s mercy and realize how amazingly wonderful it is, the easier it will be for you to give it away!

Adapted from the book What About Me? by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2024 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Let’s Pray: “God, I am so grateful for Your mercy for my mistakes. Help me to always come to You for mercy when I need it…and let it flow to others as they need it from me. I know that when I do things Your way, I will always be blessed. So, help me to rejoice as I make daily decisions to be merciful and forgive. Amen.”

Family Activity: Love your enemies! Parents, take a few minutes to model today’s lesson to your children. Without naming names, tell them about a “people problem” you are having and how God is leading you to address it. Then ask your kids what’s going wrong in their world—at school, on the playground, with their siblings. Join in prayer, asking for God’s help to love and forgive difficult people on purpose, knowing that He will reward you for our obedience.