May 19, 2023 - Matthew 6:14-15

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

Lord, forgiving those who sin against us sure isn’t an easy task, but you set such a beautiful example of this for us. Teach us how to walk in your ways. Teach us how to offer forgiveness. Remind us that we war not against flesh and blood, but evil spirits. Help us not to respond back with the same spirit that lashed out against us. Show us how to extend love in the face of betrayal, manipulation, animosity, and hurt. Show us how to not allow bitterness to take root in us.

Lord, we also ask that you give us wisdom after we offer forgiveness. Show us how to balance extending love and grace to others without allowing others to abuse us, and also with helping them learn and grow. Give us wisdom when it is time to turn the other cheek again and allow you to defend us. Give us wisdom when it is time to address and correct things with love. And give us wisdom on if at times we just need to sever a relationship and walk away. If it is time to turn the other cheek and forgive, help us walk humbly and do this without offense. If it is time to correct, give us such wisdom on doing this. If correction doesn’t go well, help us forgive if needed and place it in your hands. If it is time to walk away, show us how to do that in the most loving way. Help us in any of these circumstances to not take up offenses. Teach us how to live with unoffendable hearts. Help us to take up our cross and follow your example.

Lord, we thank you that you have walked successfully in each of these circumstances with an unoffendable heart. You understand and you walk with us, helping us. You are so good to us. Thank you. We want to honor you today in all we are and in all we do.

In Jesus name, amen.