Little ‘Forgivenesses’
[Jesus teaching] “’You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’
“’But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
“’Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.’” Matthew 5:21-24
Most of us do not murder, but we do get angry (even if we hide it well). The point Jesus is making is that none of us can escape our sin nature. Therefore, there is no hope for eternity other than accepting His gift of grace.
Once a follower of His, that same sin nature continues to linger in our heart – and we will choose to stumble.
Yet, in these verses you will find another truth: All your efforts, your prayers, your giving mean nothing to God, while your heart holds bitterness and broken relationships. Although asking and offering forgiveness is almost always difficult, if done sincerely, the end result is abundant joy!
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Take care with love, especially His, from Darlene, who still prays for you each day.
PS: You can also find the devotions on line/ on your mobile phone here: www.weakdaydevotion.com .
NOTES: I choose to believe the Bible because it's a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They reported supernatural events that took place before, of specific prophecies; and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.
The Five Solas: Individuals are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone to the glory of God alone!
Find my full statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of Bible studies). For the books, go to Amazon books. For prayer requests/ updates, email: darlenerichard@gmail.com