IN TOUCH DAILY DEVOTIONAL 25 AUGUST 2024 BY DR. CHARLES STANLEY, SUNDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: A Lifestyle of Forgiveness
SCRIPTURE:Ephesians 4:29-32
Showing mercy to those who hurt us does not come naturally—it’s easier to get angry at them. But God commands us to be merciful (Luke 6:36). We who have been shown divine mercy are to practice a lifestyle of forgiveness.
So why don’t we? Sometimes our pride gets in the way. We are angered when treated with disrespect, passed over for a job, or ignored. At other times we get focused on other people’s refusal to change, so we withhold mercy until they improve their behavior. And some of us have been badly hurt or treated unjustly. Our minds are filled with such pain that we become stuck in the past and cannot see how we’ll ever be able to forgive.
An unforgiving attitude can have all sorts of unwanted consequences, including broken relationships, emotional bondage, and indifference toward the Lord. The longer we hold on to our anger, the more it will affect our fellowship, not only with other people but also with our heavenly Father.
It is hard for us to pardon those who tell lies about us, treat us badly, or cause harm to our loved ones. And yet their behavior towards us is not a reason to withhold mercy. God calls us to forgive as He forgave us—and with His help, we can do just that.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Lamentations 1-2
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Offering God’s mercy can be difficult; living with anger and bitterness is worse.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.