HAVE WE FORGIVEN

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Mark 11:26 KJV

How dare you and I go to a Holy God and ask Him to forgive us for hurting Him if we haven’t forgiven those who have hurt us?  I think we sometimes forget that none of us are perfect.  All of us fail and hurt Him at times.  There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.

I have received email from people who tell me how wonderful it is that I write devotions.  I really appreciate those encouraging emails because all of us need encouragement.  However, I am just a sinner saved by grace.  I still lose my temper and have to ask Jesus to help me keep my mouth shut.

My Mother used to say to me “Joanne, if you don’t have anything good to say, keep your big mouth shut”.  It used to hurt me and bring tears to my eyes when she said that but Mom was right.  We can tell people we’re sorry for hurting them but the cruel words we say can never be taken back.

We might as well take a knife and plunge it deep into someone’s heart because we are breaking his or her heart into little pieces by our cruel and hateful words.  May God help us to only say kind and encouraging words to people instead of saying things that hurt them and make them cry.

Heavenly Father, You are a tender compassionate and forgiving Father.  Please help us to love one another unconditionally and forgive others as You love and forgive us.  Thank You for being a loving and caring Father.  I love You so much and I appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

July 31, 2016