BH Bulletin Wednesday 2 September 2020

Thought for the Day by Simon James-Morse
​(Minister for Goldstone Church)

​(part of a series of reflections based on the Lord’s Prayer)
Receive and Give Forgiveness
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” (Luke 11:4a)
 
Jesus’ instructions about praying for forgiveness have two parts.
Firstly, we are to pray for our own forgiveness. We do this with the certainty that, as part of His family, when we come with a repentant and humble heart, God will forgive us.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Secondly, as we seek our own forgiveness, we must also forgive those who have wronged us.
The first part is relatively easy; it is the second part that usually gives us trouble. But this is what God requires of us. After all, He forgave us when we were still His enemies.
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;” (Daniel 9:9)
God paid the penalty and consequences of our sin deserved with the life of His own precious Son, Jesus, on the cross.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
So, it is illogical (and even selfish) for us to expect God to forgive us of our sins if we are not willing to forgive others in kind.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”” (Mark 11:25)
 
Prayer
Dear Lord, teach us to pray. To pray, not out of duty, but out of love. To pray, not because it is a chore, but because we can’t help ourselves but to pray. Give us, O Lord, a new love and a new heart to pray – to humbly seek Your forgiveness and to be quick to forgive others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
​Simon.

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