[Jesus continued,] “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Key Thought
God is lavish with his forgiveness! Aren’t we glad? However, just as God is lavish with forgiveness, he is also adamant about our forgiving others. What Jesus says should chill us to our souls. We will be forgiven the way we forgive others. [1] Holding grudges blocks the LORD’s graciousness from our lives. Let’s be children of our Father — lavish in forgiveness, quick to love, and slow to judge. [2]
[2] Matthew 7:1-2.
Today’s Prayer
O Father, I trust in your forgiveness and grace. I ask that your Spirit work in my heart to release any grudges that I may have against anyone. I also ask that the Holy Spirit will help me to forgive those against whom I have held grudges and will help me to see them in a new and more loving light. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Matthew 6:14-15Ephesians 4:30-32Numbers 14:18Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.