Thursday, November 17, 2016
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (Colossians 3:13 NLT)
THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
We discussed earlier this week that depression is almost always accompanied by fear and its by-product, anger. When anger and bitterness invade our lives, sometimes it is hard to let go and let God. In God's Word, we learn that forgiveness is the way God has given us to freedom from that anger.
You may be thinking, Forgive? How is that possible after what this person did to me? And I haven't even received an apology!
CONSIDER THIS . . .
Jesus died on the cross to make forgiveness available to anyone who would receive his gift of love. He loved us while we were still sinners . . . while we were still living our way instead of his.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT)
God sent his Son to die for us while we were yet sinners, so he calls us to forgive others as he forgave us. We do not have to earn forgiveness; God gives us forgiveness as a gift. How can we do less?
Are you holding on to bitterness and anger toward someone who has deeply hurt you? Whether the offense was yesterday or years ago, it's time to let go. Are you willing? The wonderful thing is that you don't have to take this step alone.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)
PRAYER
Father, I've held onto this anger for so long. I know I can never live in freedom until I choose to forgive. Help me want to forgive . . . and help me forgive those who have hurt me just as you have forgiven me for every sin. In Jesus' name . . .
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THESE THOUGHTS WERE DRAWN FROM . . .
This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
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