Day 17 | January 17
DAY 17 | January 17, 2024 | MORE FORGIVENESS
VERSE: Psalm 130:3-4 “If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly, O Lord, who could stand [before you in judgment and claim innocence]? 4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared and worshiped [with submissive wonder].” AMP
Forgiveness is a prominent character trait of God’s nature that is evident throughout the Bible. He is not only able to forgive, He is also ready and willing to forgive us. One of the greatest attributes of God’s character is that He is forgiving. He forgives us even though we don’t deserve or cannot earn forgiveness. Forgiveness can never be earned; it’s a gift given that is motivated by love.
The greatest expression of love is to forgive and is demonstrated through forgiveness. Love is best expressed in forgiving an offense or wrong, it is the greatest test of love. One of Jesus dying statements from the cross in Luke 23:34 was to release forgiveness to those who didn’t deserve to be forgiven. “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do... ESV. Jesus released forgiveness on the cross for all people of all time. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7 ESV.
When we receive forgiveness we are empowered to release forgiveness. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV. Those who are forgiven have the capacity to forgive as God forgave us. Forgiveness on our part is a decision not a feeling, we choose to forgive in obedience to the Word of God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us come to fully realize that you are forgiving and that you have forgiven us. Help us come to a full realization that we are also to forgive others as you have forgiven us.
“The greatest expression of love is to forgive and is demonstrated through forgiveness.”