WEEK 4
DAY 23- HELP US FORGIVE
Scripture- Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” —Ephesians 4:32–5:2
My four-year old doesn’t like help. But . . . he can’t button his shirt yet either. So, in the morning, I watch him struggle. He gets so mad trying to cover himself with that little shirt, and I often offer to be an example. One of two things is likely to happen: (1) On a good day, he watches me button it while I explain how much better it will cover him this way; and (2) On a not-so-good day, he tells me I’m not his friend anymore and walks around with a shirt that will open wide to leave him exposed any moment.
When it comes to forgiveness, I differ little from him. Have I been dressed in Christ’s forgiveness through His sacrifice? YES! And do I try it myself with great frustration sometimes? YES! It’s like telling Jesus He isn’t my friend and trying to “button myself up” when I’m a moment away from being exposed. He asks if I will allow Him to show me the immense forgiveness He has offered me so that I can begin to rely on how it changes me. This allows Him to help me forgive others in return.
It’s when I don’t allow His amazing grace in forgiveness to be shown to me that I end up holding onto grudges I have against those who have wronged me—at the risk of being uncovered completely! Can we agree together today that we desire the graceful covering of Jesus’ forgiveness offers? We must allow His example to change the way we offer it to others.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Jesus,
It is hard to admit that we need You for so much, and it is our pride that tempts us to feel that way. We repent of the pride we still carry. We acknowledge that forgiveness is not only something You have audaciously offered us but also something you have commanded of us. We repeatedly fail at this, Lord, but you have promised us that we can follow You as our example. Please come into our lives. Humble us to see Your forgiveness towards us so that we may graciously extend it to others. We need Your help. Amen.
By Meica Campbell