Forgiveness!

For Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Matthew 6:12 CJB: “Forgive us what we have done wrong, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us.”

Jesus included this principle as he was teaching his followers about prayer. Forgiveness was always front-of-mind with Jesus. When an immoral woman was anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, he said, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Counseling the woman caught in adultery, Jesus told the accusers, “Let a person without sin cast the first stone.” When everyone left, Jesus told the woman, “If no one else accuses you, neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Sometimes Jesus’ forgiveness seems out of context. When presented with a paralyzed man on a mat, Jesus said, “Take courage – your sins are forgiven!”

It turns out that Jesus’ main purpose on earth was to arrange the forgiveness for ALL of mankind’s sins, so we could spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty. He completed his mission, and we will be forgiven as we forgive others.

Knowing we will be forgiven fills us with hope!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406