Daily Encounter DevotionalSample

Forgiveness

In Matthew 6:12, Jesus continues to teach us how to pray, saying, “And forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors.” Forgiveness is crucial to your life as a follower of Jesus! Each day when we pray this prayer in our daily encounters, we get the opportunity to both receive forgiveness and extend forgiveness. God draws us close through forgiveness because His forgiveness cleanses us from every sin. Because He forgives us, we have the grace to extend forgiveness to others. Forgiveness is not optional if you desire to walk closely with the Lord.

In your daily encounter today, ask Him to forgive you for any way you may have sinned or done wrong against Him. Pause and let Him bring to your mind anything He wants to address. This isn’t a condemnation, but the Holy Spirit bringing conviction to you! Open your heart and welcome His conviction. Let Him renew a right spirit within you(Psalm 51:10).

Take the time to ask Him if there is anyone else you may need to forgive. Remember, forgiveness is not for them; it’s for YOU! As those people come to your mind, actively pray for them and forgive them for what they have done. In Matthew 18:22, Jesus tells us to forgive not just seven times but 70x7; forgive an unlimited amount of times! Continue to forgive because you are never more like Jesus than when you are forgiving. Keep praying for the person every day in your daily encounter until you fully forgive them!

Pray: Repent. Lay down your sins before God, and ask for forgiveness. As you receive forgiveness, search your heart for who you need to extend forgiveness. List out by name those you need to forgive. Ask God for help!