February 5, 2025
A Law of Love
Read: Exodus 21, 22; Psalm 36; Matthew 18:21-35.
Scripture: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”... “35. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Observation: We often wonder how long I will have to tolerate this person and how many times I should be patient with him/her. Enough is enough! We think there is a limit to tolerating someone who offends or acts against us. Here, Jesus talks about complete forgiveness, not just in words but from our hearts. Some may think of the level of hurt and hate that they went through and find it difficult to forgive another person. In Jesus’ time, according to the Law of Moses, people had “the law of retaliation” (Exo.21:23-25), and taking revenge was considered an appropriate action. However, Jesus spoke of forgiveness. The forgiving heavenly father expects us to forgive others in the same way we are forgiven.
Application: Sometimes, I find it difficult to forgive others and think that someone who did something wrong deserves punishment or justice. However, when I need God’s forgiveness, I pray for God’s mercy and love and seek complete forgiveness. The Loving God forgives me and expects me to do the same with others as well. Therefore, I have no excuse to say “no” to forgiving others.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Whenever I find it difficult to forgive a person, help me to remember your forgiving love. Loving Lord, give me your strength to forgive others from my heart and forget the past to show your love to the person I forgive. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 36