Devotionals

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Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him. Luke 17:4 (LB)

Man, that is one passage I could have gone all day without reading! It is not the message I was hoping to find when I opened my Bible this morning. But somehow, the Holy Spirit knows what we need and he has a way of flashing it in front of our eyes like it's in neon lights!

At this very moment, I am dealing with a situation.... one of those "enough is enough" situations.... where forgiveness is the last thing I want to offer to this particular individual. Jesus said to pray for those who despitefully use you. I do pray for this guy. I pray that he will get hit by a cement truck. I pray that he will catch bubonic plague. I pray that he will choke on a chicken bone. No one can ever accuse me of not praying for him.

Unfortunately, for some unexplainable reason, my prayers have gone unanswered and I am beginning to think that God may want me to take a different approach. It may involve such things as love, patience, understanding, compassion.... and that word for today.... forgiveness!

But how can I forgive someone who has caused me such pain over and over again? Well, I always proudly proclaim that I want to be more like Jesus, who, oh, by the way, just happened to forgive those who nailed him to the cross. If he can forgive them, certainly there must be room in my heart to extend forgiveness to the one who has wronged me.

O Lord, I do want to be more like you. But sometimes my human feelings get in the way. May I never forget how many times you have forgiven me. And may I be willing to extend forgiveness to others. Amen.

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