Devotional for Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Morning Matthew 18:31-35
Noon Psalm 15
Evening Colossians 3:12-14
The dictionary defines the word "forgiveness" as follows: "Remission of the penalty of a deserved punishment for an offense received or an outstanding debt or obligation.”
How can we forgive others as Christ forgave us? When Paul says, "As Christ forgave you," he is synthesizing in one phrase the enormous work of God in Christ on our behalf. Forgiveness began in the heart of God and materialized through Christ's sacrifice. Through justification, God declares us guiltless before Him and forgives us.
When we understand forgiveness through the filter of justification, there are no arguments left for us not to forgive. That is, if we have received such forgiveness, and God Himself has declared us righteous before Him, despite our willful offense, then we have more than enough reasons to forgive others.
God's forgiveness and justification are free. The enormous cost for these was paid by His Son on the Cross. Therefore, having received forgiveness and justification, we can forgive as Christ has forgiven us.
Written by Juan Daniel de la Vega
Translated by C.D.R.Sunza
S.M.
Morning Matthew18:31-35
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Noon Psalm 15
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Evening Colossians 3:12-14
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Prayer Guide: [Panamá-El Valle de Olá] y [Panamá-Puerto Armuelles]
March's challenge:
Do everything possible so that your life can be a visible testimony to all men as Christians living in the likeness of Christ. Everyday, praise your Creator. Keep a constant praise on your lips. Listen to Christian praise and worship music with your family. Go to Church, not only to be a spectator, but a worshiper. Worship as you pray, worship as you read the Bible, worship in your illness, always worship.
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