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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) is a profound lesson on forgiveness.
In this parable, a king forgives his servant a massive debt, illustrating God’s immense grace toward us.
However, the forgiven servant then refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller debt.
This lack of forgiveness results in the king’s anger and the unforgiving servant’s punishment.
The parable teaches that just as God forgives our significant sins, we must also forgive others, regardless of the magnitude of their wrongs against us.
Forgiveness is crucial for our spiritual well-being.
Holding onto grudges and bitterness can weigh us down, hindering our spiritual growth and our relationship with God.
Reflect on someone in your life whom you need to forgive.
Consider how God’s grace has been extended to you, and use that as motivation to forgive others.
Remember, forgiveness does not mean excusing wrong behavior, but it does mean releasing the hold that hurt has on you and allowing God’s peace to enter your heart.
Forgiveness is often seen as a difficult task, especially when the pain caused by others is deep.
However, holding onto unforgiveness can lead to a hardened heart and spiritual stagnation.
Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness is clear: we are to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God.
This principle is illustrated powerfully in the parable of the unforgiving servant, where the servant’s inability to forgive a minor debt after being forgiven a major one highlights the hypocrisy and destructive nature of an unforgiving spirit.
In your daily life, think about the impact of carrying unforgiveness.
It can affect not just your spiritual life but also your emotional and physical health.
By choosing to forgive, you align yourself with God’s will and open the door to healing and restoration.
Consider how much God has forgiven you and let that be your driving force to extend the same grace to others.
Forgiveness is an ongoing journey, not a one-time event.
Keep a journal of your progress in forgiving others, noting any changes in your heart and spirit as you continue to pray and act on this commitment.
Reflect on the transformation that takes place within you and how it enhances your relationship with God and others.
By making forgiveness a daily practice, you embody the love and grace of Christ, becoming a living testimony of His transformative power.
PRAYER OF APPLICATION:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the immense forgiveness You have shown me through Christ. Help me to reflect Your grace by forgiving those who have wronged me. Soften my heart and give me the strength to release bitterness and seek reconciliation. Fill me with Your peace and guide me in extending Your love and mercy to others. In Jesus Name, Amen.
DAILY ASSIGNMENT:
Today, take a step toward forgiveness.
Reach out to someone you need to forgive, either through a conversation, a heartfelt letter, or a sincere message.
Express your forgiveness and, if possible, seek reconciliation.
Pray earnestly for the strength to let go of any bitterness and to trust God with your healing process.
Write down your feelings before and after this act of forgiveness to reflect on how it impacts your heart and spirit.
As you engage in today’s assignment, remember that forgiveness is a process.
It may take time, and it may require God’s continual help and strength.
By taking the first step and seeking to forgive, you are honoring God’s command and paving the way for personal and relational healing.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sandra Graham
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
George Calhoon
Steve Michaels
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Amy Garner’s Mom
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher