Dec 30 2021

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Forgiving others does more for us than it does for them. When we hold bitterness inside, our hearts become hardened to God's love. If we aren't in a place to give love, then we can't receive it.

Unforgiveness is an issue in the lives of believers and also those who don't know Christ. No one is exempt from the hurt that people cause each other. All of us have to choose to extend forgiveness to people when they do us wrong. It is important.

Jesus set this example for us in how He lived and interacted with others. He was ridiculed and tormented to the point of death. With His dying words, He offered forgiveness to those who had murdered Him.

In our daily lives, forgiveness means letting go of the hurt that comes when someone lies to us or offers unfair criticism. More pressing matters of the heart, like divorce or abandonment, require selfless forgiveness that pushes aside our personal feelings for the sake of being able to accept God's love freely.

Forgiving others keeps us from holding grudges and keeping track of how others have wronged us. We know that God doesn't hold our sin against us. He actually chooses to forget it. He loves us unconditionally, and we should offer that same kind of love to everyone, without any strings attached.

It can be difficult to forgive, but because of the example Jesus set for us, it is possible with His help. If there is someone we need to forgive, today would be an excellent time to reach out and offer that to them.

Dear God, you know the people in my life that have caused me the most pain. You also see the hurt that I have caused others. Please forgive me for the times I have held grudges and built walls in my relationships. You have been so gracious in extending forgiveness to me when I didn't deserve it. It is a beautiful gift. Help me to be that willing to show love and forgiveness without expecting anything in return. I know it can only be accomplished with your help, so thank you for providing everything I need to forgive and be forgiven. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 29 2021

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. :

Encouragers are special people. While their lives are not perfect, they carry a perspective that sees what could be, instead of what actually is.

An encourager says things like, "I know you're going through a tough time, but you're going to be okay." How do encouragers know that? What allows them to see a future where things are better?

Encouragers have learned that dwelling on current problems never solves anything. They also understand the value of helping others see a better possible outcome. The encouraging spirit is based on the hope that we have in Jesus. Without His hope, we wouldn't have much ground to stand on.

In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he encourages them to encourage each other. Because members of the early church were followers of Jesus, they struggled through many hardships, including persecution, torture, even death.

If they didn't encourage each other within the church, no one else would. They needed each other. Today, in the Body of Christ, we still need each other. We should point others to Jesus when they are struggling, and we should help carry each other's burdens. We were never meant to live life alone or to struggle alone.

We are either an encourager or someone who needs encouragement, and we will likely play both roles at different times in our lives. Look for ways to provide encouragement to others. Before too long, you may be on the receiving end of their love and support.

Lord, I'm thankful for the hope I have in you. I don't always feel like everything is going to be okay, so I'm grateful that you send people into my life who remind me. Help me to be an encourager to others. Give me the right words to say at the perfect time. There are so many around me that feel down and even depressed. Point them out to me so I can carry your hope to them. Thank you for helping me to see the value in caring for others the way you have cared for me. In Jesus's name, amen.


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