Blessings!
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Devotion:
Most people attribute this promise to monetary giving. It’s a great favorite to quote when the collection plate is passed. But Jesus actually says this when he’s talking about forgiveness? That’s right, Jesus begins this promise, by saying, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” Dear ones, I know others have hurt you, for we live in a broken world, and wounded hearts often lash out at others. Fearful hearts often try to undermine others to make themselves feel safe. But as believers we must not walk according to the flesh. We must not serve the gods of pride, offense, and bitterness. Of all people, Jesus had every right to be bitter, but He rose above the abuse and insults when He was lifted up on the Cross. It was His willingness to submit to His Father’s will and forgive those who murdered Him that broke Satan’s back. It was our sin that killed Him. But He forgave us. Now, we too can rise above the flesh and soar with the King of Glory, free from the chains of bitterness and unforgiveness. Free from condemnation from our own sin. And the more we give, the more we receive! In this season of giving, I pray that you all will give yourselves the greatest gift. The gift of extending to others what Jesus so graciously offers to us. The gift of forgiveness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I don’t deserve Your favor. I fail You everyday no matter how hard I try. But Your love for me is so great that, no matter how much I hurt You, You are willing, desirous, to forgive and forget. I don’t know how You do it, Lord. I have been hurt so badly at times, I can’t imagine forgiving. But I am created in Your likeness, and Jesus did what seems impossible to me. And I believe Your Son when He says I have been given authority over all the power of the enemy. Please, Father, give me Your heart. Help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to see others through Your eyes of love and extend the same grace to those who hurt me as You do to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read more about my lesson in forgiveness here: “The Color of Forgiveness”
Have a victorious day in the Lord!
Rebecca
