Our Daily Bread: We Are FamilySample

The Key Is Forgiveness

If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. -Matthew 6:14–15 NIV

On one occasion, my family and I traveled for a long time outside our country. When we returned home, I found several bills and notices for electricity, water, and telephone with past due dates for payments.

Of course, since I was far away, I hadn’t worried about those utilities and services. Yet, when I returned, I was surprised that these services had been cut off.

Sometimes the same thing happens to us in our family relationships. When we offend our spouse, our children, or someone offends us and we don’t attend to the offense or issue, we allow the pain, hate, resentment, and the matter to grow.

As a result, respect, trust, and communication stop working and are cut off.

Listening and paying attention to the Holy Spirit helps us recall God’s Word. We can be reminded that “if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you”(Matthew 6:14).

Or we might remember that we must “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

Relationships are like bills that are due. If we don’t pay attention to them, our services can be cut off. It’s important to value our God-given relationships. We should treat each other like God treats us, which includes forgiving each other.

The command to “forgive one another” comes from God. Forgiveness frees us, and the good news is that forgiveness is available to everyone.

When we’re offended and have trouble forgiving others, it is helpful to remember that God demonstrates His love for us and forgives us even when we don’t deserve it (Romans 5:8).

If you’re going through a moment of offense and lack of forgiveness, I encourage you to recall Jesus’ words when He taught the disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

God wants us to have an abundant life filled with love for each other. Forgiveness is an essential element to healthy relationships. Pay attention to your relationships and use lots of love and grace, which includes forgiveness. Rely on God to help you forgive.

Luis & Samaria Morales

Who do you need to forgive today? How can Scripture help you to forgive?

Dear Jesus, today I surrender before You any offense that has overloaded my soul. Help me and give me the strength to humbly recognize my mistakes and ask forgiveness from those whom I have wronged.