Then his lord called him in and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?' His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds. Matthew 18:32'35 WEB.Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone within one's power to punish or harm. Basically, it is not punishing them, even though they deserve it, even when they have really earned it, and you now have the power to make them pay for it. It is turning the other cheek when you would like to slap theirs.
Someone hurt me very badly once, and I had to forgive them every day for a few years. Anytime the incident came to mind, I prayed and forgave them again. Then one day, it no longer bothered me, and I no longer thought about it. It took a long time. Each time they came to mind, I would say, "Father, I forgive them for what they did." Eventually, it became real, and I no longer comforted myself by thinking of their demise as Esau did with Jacob (Genesis 27:42).
Sitting right on top of the Ark of the Covenant was the mercy seat (Exodus 25:21). That is where God spoke from. Mercy is a big thing to the Lord, and all throughout the Bible, you read about it. The Lord promises us that if we show mercy, we will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7). It is an incredible promise, and it allows us to choose what will happen to us in the future. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Forgiveness does not make you a doormat, and repeat offenders need to be dealt with peacefully. Who we allow to be a part of our lives is a choice that we make, and being invited into our home is a privilege. Some people belong on this side of our door, while others should be outside of it with the door locked. Forgiveness does not mean that you are weak. It is a conscious, intelligent choice to recognize that even though someone deserves punishment, so do we.
God Almighty, who created the universe, is all-powerful. He holds our very life in His hands and can take it away instantly. He shows us mercy by forgiving us of our mistakes, but He said that we have to forgive others or not be forgiven. So keep a clean slate. If you get the chance today to let someone off the hook, then do so. For the Lord will reward you by letting you off yours.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I forgive those who have wronged me. I set them free from their debt. I choose to show them mercy today because You told us to. Please forgive me of my own sins and set me free from the chains that bind me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
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Pastor Dion,
it is like Fod has given you a glimpse into my heart. He never ceases to amaze me and I simply have no words.
Amen
Amen Father I Thank You for Forgiveness
Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray to forgive those who have caused me pain. Thank you for forgiving me and for Your Mercy. Amen
Amen. This is how I forgive also. It takes a minute but it works. God help us all to be happy and kind to each other. Lord thank you. Bless us all Amen
Amen!!
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Jesus,we forgive anyone who has wronged us and ask for forgiveness from them. Amen
Amen
Amen!
Father, thank You for forgiving me! Please help me to give others the same forgiveness, Amen.
Forgiveness and mercy: such precious gifts! Thank you, Lord ❤️
Amen, thank you Jesus!
A timely message, thank you
Amen thank you Father for all your mercy on my sins and for always being there to pick me up and dust me off, please show me if I hold any unforgivness in my heart, in Jesus'name I pray amen
Heavenly Father I thank You for Your mercy as I forgive those who have wronged me, teach and lead me to do what You have shown us about forgiveness. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. I praise Your Holy Name forever Lord.
Great devotional reminder of what we should do for those who do wrong to us,God bless you and Sylvia, Amen.
Thank you for forgiving me Father.
Yes please Lord, amen
Amen!