Listen to this devotion
Forgiveness
In the Word
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
Of the Word
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) includes the words, Forgive us our debts (sins) as we also have forgiven our debtors.
When people sin, they incur the debt of punishment and death. To satisfy that debt, God sent His own Son Jesus to suffer and die for the sins of all people. Jesus satisfied the debt of sin. God forgives sin in the name of and for the sake of Jesus. Forgiveness may be defined as granting relief from the payment of a debt. Believers in Jesus are forgiven; they are debt-free.
Parents model repentance in the Christian family when they intentionally speak the words, “I’m sorry.” Forgiveness in the Christian family is delivered when parents intentionally speak the words, “You are forgiven.”
Stretch your faith-filled parenting: The next time your child apologizes, speak the words, “You are forgiven,” rather than “Oh, that’s OK.” Explain what forgiveness means.
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, You have forgiven all my sins, even though I don’t deserve it. Help me to deliver that same forgiveness to my family. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 7/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
