In today's lesson, we will look at
the importance to forgive.
Our foundational scripture of this
lesson is Luke 17:1-6 where the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith.
We learned in lesson 1 that they were not asking for an increase of faith in order
to perform miracles, signs and wonders but it was when Jesus told them to
constantly forgive those that sin against them.
The
level of your faith is at the level of your forgiveness.
You will need faith in order to
forgive. To forgive means to exhale, to release, to let it go.
Forgiveness is an important subject
in the ministry of Jesus. He taught parables on forgiveness (Matt. 18:23-35).
When teaching on the subject of prayer, he also mention that forgiving and to
be forgiven should be part of our prayer life (Matt. 6: 9-15). AND when on the
cross of Calvary He went through the toughest and most challenging part of His
life and ministry, suffering physically, emotionally and perhaps even
spiritually, He freely offered forgiveness even though nobody asked! (Lk.
23:34)
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive
whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you.
A prayer life with unforgiveness in
the heart will not see results!
Offense will keep you in bondage.
It is time for you to forgive and
let go. Make a decision today to depend upon the grace of God and forgive those
that have hurt, abuse, offended and rejected you. Faith comes by hearing the
Word, now apply your faith and stop saying "I can't!"
Pray this with faith out loud:
"In
the name of Jesus, I can forgive. I choose to forgive and not be offended!
Lord, give me the strength and the grace to forgive. Today, I choose to forgive
those that have hurt, abuse, offended and rejected me. I refuse to hold
grudges. Thank you for your strength Lord. In Jesus' name...AMEN!"
Coming soon Lesson 3 - Why the
Sycamore tree?
