Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th July 2021 Wednesday Message
TOPIC: Forgiveness oils relationships.
Opening Prayer: Help me dear Lord to meet with you as I meditate on your word in Jesus name
Scripture: Matthew 18:21 – 35
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow? • Is there any command for me to obey?
Forgiveness oils relationships.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th July 2021 Message
What do you consider the thinking behind Peter’s question in v.21? His question is critical, and it is tackled differently in different cultures. In my culture, for example, we say first offence you are forgiven, second offence you are forgiven but third offence you are severely punished because you are expressing grave disrespect by your actions. But Jesus says we cannot keep a record of wrongs but rather forgive every time (v.22). Forgiveness is unconditional and unending. Why should this be so (see vs.32-35)? The king in Christ’s illustrative parable wrote off the servant’s huge debt. How easily we condemn this servant for refusing to yield to the plea of his peer and extend forgiveness to him for the pittance he owes. Don’t we consider it cruel and unreasonable that he instead sent him to jail? But do we do the same? How many times has God forgiven us and continues to do so when we fail Him? So why must we not do the same, forgive others always? Forgiveness frees us from keeping grudges against others, resenting them and avoiding them. See Ephesians 4:30-32.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Dear Lord, help me to forgive unconditionally from my heart, knowing that you also have forgiven me unconditionally. • Pray for the educational needs of the children of missionaries
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 33:14
• Deut. 30-31; Acts 7:22-43
Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th July 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God
