Matthew 22
Matthew 6:14-15 – For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Unless you have forgiven others for the sins they commit against you, you will not be forgiven for the sins you committed.
1. Sadly, many Christans refuse to forgive. We store unforgiveness in our hearts, tormenting ourselves (with bitterness, anger, and resentment). Many of us hold unto unforgiveness because (1) we want want revenge on those who wronged us; (2) we want to see them ‘pay’ for what they did to us; or (3) we wait for the person (or people) to take responsibility for their actions (via apology). Revenge, ‘payback,’ and waiting for apologies isn’t what God desires of us. God wants us to love others, show mercy to them, and forgive, just as He has done for you.
Matthew 22:36-40 – Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
We all want to be loved; treated with respect, kindness, and love; be supported in our endeavors; and feel appreciate and understood. In the process of our personal wish list, we must also remember that this is the same list we must use toward others. Just as we want to be loved, we should love others in the same manner:
- We should treat others we the same level of respect, kindness, and love…even greater!
- We should support others and encourage them in their projects, goals, and dreams.
- We should strive to understand and appreciate those around us.
Though the needs of others may differ from our own, it does not negate our responsibility to seek God on ways to meet their needs.
There is more to ‘life’ than pleasing ourselves…
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Sande Hamilton
Impatient, lazy, foul-mouthed, angry, evil, lustful, dangerous, and spiteful people fill our homes, workplaces, and yes…churches. Through God’s infinite grace and mercy, you may have been among those delivered from the destructive traits and behaviors listed above. God has been so good to us, but often we fail to show that same goodness to others.
Jesus’ second commandment is for us to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-39). If we are not careful, we can find ourselves hating, gossiping, and harboring anger toward those we once resembled. We wanted mercy, we desired grace, we longed to be understood, we desired peace from our pain, and to be forgiven, but yet, we fail to do the same for others.
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