Celebrate God's Grace - but Never Presume Upon It

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Jeremiah 14:11–16:15 
1 Thessalonians 2:9–3:13 
Psalm 80:1-19 
Proverbs 25:1-5

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Jeremiah 14:11-12 "The LORD said to me: 'Do not pray for the welfare of this people. Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.'"
  REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Over and over in Scripture, God is said to be loving and patient. He reaches out to the sinner and calls him back to Himself.

But, it is a fair question to ask: "Does God's patience ever run out? It is ever too late to come back to Him?"

Just read our Verses for Today for the answer:

"The LORD said to me: 'Do not pray for the welfare of this people. Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.'" (Jeremiah 14:11-12)

This attitude by our Heavenly Father is very rare in Scripture. We don't see it often. We read about it on Mt. Sinai when God told Moses He was going to destroy the rebellious people of Israel and create a new nation. But, Moses prayed and God relented. 

More times than not, God's patience seems to be endless. In fact, we may presume upon it. We go off, once again, into sin because we are convinced that God will once again cleanse us and bring us back into fellowship. 

But the truth of Jeremiah 14:11-12 is a very sobering, helpful reminder. If we are saved, we can never lose it. But, it is quite possible that someone could offend God so many times that He no longer listens to their supposed prayers of repentance. In fact, there are times when someone's sin could so offend Him that He decides to cut their life short (1 John 5:16-17).

I have to admit that I don't fully understand this topic. I don't fully understand God's patience or what it looks like when it runs out or what it takes to reach that point of no return. I simply know what I have seen in Scripture. And it's enough to sober us up and cause us to celebrate God's grace - but never to presume upon it.

Saved? From what?

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Jeremiah 12:1–14:10 
1 Thessalonians 1:1–2:8 
Psalm 79:1-13 
Proverbs 24:30-34

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV) "For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Verses for Today, the Apostle Paul is bragging on the church at Thessalonica. They received the Gospel even though they were being persecuted for it. As a result, their example was being talked about in areas well beyond their city.

But, I want us to focus on the last phrase of today's verses...

"Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

If you want to ask someone if they are a Jesus-follower, you might ask the question: "Are you saved?"

As Christians, we have come to use that biblical word a lot. When we say "saved," we understand that it refers to the person who has trusted in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross on their behalf to forgive them, cleanse them, and make them God's child.

But, "saved" is one of those words that is used so often that we may not realize what it is actually talking about.

What does it mean to be "saved?"

If I told you that someone was drowning in a lake but I saved them, what would that mean? Simply that they were going to die but I took action and spared them of that tragic end.

If I told you that I came upon a car wreck and saved someone whose vehicle was engulfed in flames, what would that mean? Simply that they were going to die but I took action and spared them of that tragic end.

So, when Christians say that we are "saved," what does that mean? It simply means that we were headed for something utterly horrific but God took action and spared us of that tragic end.

What did God save us from?

"Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

Friend, God is a loving God (1 John 4:8,16) but He is also a just God (Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18). He has set a day upon which He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31). And as a good, righteous Judge, He has no choice but to send sinful lawbreakers to a fiery Hell (Revelation 20:11-15). 

This is the "wrath to come," friend. This is where we are all headed unless God steps in to save us from this tragic end.

But God did step in to save us. He took drastic measures that enabled Him to maintain His holiness (our sin had to be paid for) and reveal His love (Jesus willingly offered His life as the payment for our sins - Romans 5:8).

So, all that is left is for us to receive that free gift. We do so by repenting (turning from sin and self-rule) and trusting in Jesus (resting in what He did to make us right in God's eyes). And when we do this, we are once and for all time "saved from the wrath to come."

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

Why responding to God quickly is so important

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Isaiah 54:1–57:14 
Ephesians 6:1-24 
Psalm 70:1-5 
Proverbs 24:8

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV) "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The second part of our Verses for Today is wonderful, isn't it? We are told that we can turn away from sin and back to the Lord and He will completely forgive us. Further, we are told that the Lord will do so because He is compassionate - He really cares for us!

But, the first part of our Verses for Today should cause us to sit up and pay attention.

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;" (Isaiah 55:6)

Friend, this verse clearly tells us that there is a limited time in which we can return to the Lord. There is only a certain amount of time in which "he may be found" "while he is near."

Clearly, from this verse (and others that say the same thing), we realize that there may be times when we cannot return to the Lord.

Sometimes, folks say "no" to the Lord so many times that their heart becomes calloused to Him. They have completely shut down the Spirit's work in their life (1 Thessalonians 5:19). So, they will no longer feel a desire to return to the Lord.

Sometimes, folks grow into old age and dementia sets in. They can no longer return to the Lord because their mind is no longer cooperating.

Sometimes, folks can get so locked into a sin that to get out would be so painful and the consequences so dire that they are essentially entrenched in that lifestyle.

Friend, if you are in sin and God is calling you back into a love relationship with Him, then repent and return today. Right now! Because there may come a time when repentance is no longer an option.

To be sure, your salvation is not on the line. If you are one of God's children because you have put your faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, then you are Heaven-bound. But, your life will have little to show for it and there will be far few rewards to receive on the day of judgment if you live apart from Him. But, even greater still, you will have foregone the ability to enjoy your God while you are on this earth.

So, repent and return, friend, while God is calling. Don't wait. Do it now.

The joy of letting go

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Isaiah 48:12–50:11 

Ephesians 4:17-32 

Psalm 69:1-18 

Proverbs 24:5-6

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Part of my duties as a pastor is counseling. Folks will visit my office or call me on the phone with a problem and I will seek to direct them according to God's Word.

In my experience, it seems as if forgiveness is one of the biggest problems that we all deal with. Sometimes, as I talk with someone in crisis, it will be discovered that their root problem is that they cannot forgive a parent or someone who they thought was a friend. Or, they are upset at the Lord for allowing a tragedy to happen when He could have kept it from occurring. Or, they cannot forgive themselves.

As unforgiveness takes root, it ferments and settles into anger. And unresolved anger eventually settles into anxiety and depression.

Our ability to forgive others and ourselves is not small matter. It is essentially a matter of obedience to God and, if we are disobedient in this area, could have a dramatic negative impact on us for the rest of our lives.

So, given how much God loves us, it's no wonder that He calls us to forgive. But, on what basis? And how completely must we forgive those who have hurt us?

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

We are to forgive each other because we have been forgiven by God. And we are to thoroughly forgive others because we have been completely forgiven by our Lord.

The forgiveness that Jesus has offered to us is the standard.

Did we horribly offend Him? Yes! Romans 5:8 makes it clear that He offered forgiveness while we were in opposition to Him and His laws.

Did it cost Him something to forgive us? Yes! Romans 4:25 says that Jesus had to die for our sins. Forgiving us cost Him His life.

Does He ever bring up our offenses after He has forgiven us? No! Psalm 103:12 makes it clear that God has cast our sins so far away that He will never consider them again.

So, friend, this is how completely we are to forgive others and ourselves. Based upon what Jesus has done for us, we are to forgive.

If you forgive, you are the one to benefit. If there is someone that you are struggling to forgive, why not ask God to help you to release that situation to Him? If you are still struggling, seek out a Christian pastor or counselor who can help you. 

Friend, life is to short to hold onto offenses. Follow Jesus' example and let it go.

Forgiven and righteous

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 40:1–42:17 
2 Corinthians 5:11-21 
Psalm 45:1-17 
Proverbs 22:14

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Being forgiven isn't enough to go to Heaven. We must be completely perfect. We must obey every single applicable law in Scripture.

"But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" (Matthew 5:20 - NLT)

"But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48 - NLT)

It's not enough to be forgiven. We must also be thoroughly righteous.

As we look to the cross of Jesus in faith, we are saved by being forgiven of all our sins against God and His holy law. His death was the payment for the sin debt of everyone who would put their trust in Him.

Yet, forgiveness isn't enough. We also need to be righteous, a status that can only be obtained by having obeyed every single applicable law in Scripture.

That is how we are saved through Jesus' life. If the cross was all that was necessary, then why would Jesus wait some 33 years to get there? Why wouldn't he have died as a young child if forgiveness of sin is all we needed.

As we read the Bible, we come to realize that His life was absolutely essential because it was in His life that He obeyed every single applicable law of God. He gained a righteousness for Himself that He can credit to our account when we trust in Him.

His cross offers forgiveness. His life offers the righteousness that we need.

That's what our Verse for Today is all about. It refers to the Divine Swap. At the moment we are saved, Jesus takes our sins and lets his death on the cross pay for them while He also credits us with His own righteousness. 

So, we get forgiven and then credited with His righteousness.

It's not just forgiven people that get to Heaven. Only righteous people can get there. And if you are saved, both of these things are true of you.

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21 - ESV)

Friend, if you are saved, God doesn't just see a forgiven sinner when He looks at you. Instead, He sees someone who has perfectly lived according to every law He has commanded us to live by. That's because Jesus has forgiven us and then credited us with His righteousness.

So, live that way! Don't live in defeat! Don't feel as if you are a disappointment to God! When God looks at you, He sees Jesus, and He smiles!

Happiness in doing the hard thing

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Nehemiah 3:15–5:13 
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 
Psalm 32:1-11 
Proverbs 21:5-7

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 32:1-2 (CSB) "How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit!"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 32 is a ruggedly transparent Psalm. And because this is the case, it is incredibly beneficial to us!

Verses 1 and 2 (our Verses for Today) talk about the happiness that is to be enjoyed by someone who is forgiven. The clear implication is that a grievous sin has been committed.

When we read verses 3-5, we hear words filled with emotion. The Psalmist informs us of what it is like to live with unconfessed, unresolved sin. He knows that what he has done is wrong but he hasn't yet made it right. And it is eating him up on the inside. He is guilt ridden. His conscience is lighting up the dashboard of his heart and mind warning him that the problem needs to be remedied.

Verse 5, however, tells us how it was resolved. "Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

It has been said, "Confession is good for the soul."

We know this all too well. We understand what it is like to wrestle with the pangs of guilt. We also know what it is like for the weight to be lifted when we confess our sin.

Once again, we realize that God's ways are best. When He tells us not to disobey His commands, it is for our own good. And when He calls us to confess our wrongdoing to make it right (1 John 1:9), it is also for our good.

So, friend, is there anything that you need to make right with God? With someone else? Why not commit today to resolve that issue so that you can join in with the Psalmist as you get your joy back...

"Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart." (Psalm 32:11)

To retaliate or not to retaliate

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Ezra 1:1–2:70 
1 Corinthians 1:18–2:5 
Psalm 27:7-14 
Proverbs 20:22-23

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 20:22 (CSB) "Don't say, 'I will avenge this evil!' Wait on the LORD, and he will rescue you."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Revenge! Pay backs!

Whatever you call it, the feelings come fairly nature to most of us. I suspect that it is because of two primary, ingrained qualities: pride and justice.

Because we are proud, we find it natural to wish (or initiate) hurtful consequences upon the one who has wronged us. Whether those consequences come in the form of actions, words, thoughts, or a delight when something bad happens to them, we want others to "pay" for wrongs they did to us.

We have an ingrained desire for justice because God has written His law on our hearts (Romans 2:15). That being the case, we readily assume that wrongs should be righted. When someone mistreats someone else, we have a deep-seated notion that the wrong-doer should be punished so that they do not do it again.

Yet, for the Jesus-follower, we have to be so careful to keep these two ingrained compulsions in check. Why? Because we come to realize that we are not the judge. It is never our right to exercise revenge upon someone else to make them pay for a wrong they inflicted on us.

"Don't say, 'I will avenge this evil!' Wait on the LORD, and he will rescue you." (Proverbs 20:22)

In fact, this whole idea of being a Jesus-follower means that we follow Him and become more like Him as the weeks, months, and years go on. 

So, we need to ask ourselves, "How did Jesus respond when people mistreated Him?" He was mistreated all the time so all we need to do is look to the Bible to see how He respond.

1 Peter 2:21-23 (CSB) "For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly."

These verses are clear. We are called to follow Jesus' example of allowing injustice to happen to us without retaliating.

So, are wrong-doers to go unchecked? Can they get away with murder as we are commanded to remain peaceful and silent?

No! There are quite a few other Christian principles that come into play in certain scenarios. We have the right to protect ourselves but we don't have the obligation to do so. If turning the other cheek will help the other person to see Jesus in us, then we must do it. But, revenge is always off limits for us.

This is a lengthy discussion and I could keep writing about various possibilities but I'll end with a link to another article I wrote in August 2014 where I briefly noted that it is possible for Christians to love our enemies while praying for their punishment. The article is titled: "On Loving and Killing Our Enemies." Simply click the title to access it.

Taking a Spiritual Bath

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14 
Romans 9:1-24 
Psalm 19:1-14 
Proverbs 20:1

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 19:12-14 (CSB)

12 "Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults." 

13 "Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion." 

14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The Christian life is one of compliance and of joy. 

It is compliance because God has made His standard clear and we are called to obey.

It is joy because we realize that as we obey our Lord, our consciences will be clear and we are free to enjoy fellowship with our God.

But, sin stands in the way. There is a hidden part of us that wars against us. It's called "the flesh." And it regularly calls us to stray from the path of holiness that God has called us to walk upon.

So, it must also be the regularly duty of the serious Jesus-follower to take a spiritual bath. We need to get cleaned up after we sin and so confession and repentance are necessary.

Our Verses for Today lead us in that discipline. In fact, they provide us with the words of a prayer that we could offer up regularly.

First, our spiritual cleansing begins with an acknowledgement that we have probably committed sins without even knowing it. Maybe we are unaware of some command God has given or we weren't paying attention to what we did. So, we ask for forgiveness for our unintended sins:

Psalm 19:12 "Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults."

Second, we acknowledge that there are certainly things we have done (or left undone) that violated God's commands. Or, maybe we did a good thing but with the wrong motive or attitude. So, we confess these sins specifically and ask that God would keep us from doing them in the future. 

Psalm 19:13 "Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion." 

Finally, we ask that the Lord would give us what we need to not only comply with God's commands with our actions, but also with our words and the private thoughts of our heart. We don't just ask for forgiveness - we crave to live in holiness.

Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

So, the question remains, friend: Are you serious about following Jesus? Have you genuinely given your life, all of it, to Him and is it your desire to live for him in the moments of your days?

Then, you've got to take daily, spiritual baths. Consider using Psalm 19:12-14 to do that.

Disagreements don't have to separate us

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Kings 6:1–7:20 
Acts 15:36–16:15 
Psalm 142:1-7 
Proverbs 17:24-25

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Ephesians 4:32 (CSB) "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Our Verse for Today is not found in today's daily reading. Yet,  in our Bible reading today, we see where it was desperately needed.

In Acts 15, we read that Paul and Barnabas wanted to go back to visit some of the cities in which they had previously preached. They wanted to see how the believers were fairing. But a very serious argument occurred as they were selecting who would go with them.

Acts 15:36-40 "After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.' Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord."

Barnabas, the perpetual encourager who was always willing to overlook offenses, wanted to take John Mark. Paul, a man who was more task-oriented than people-oriented didn't want John Mark to go. This young man had deserted them on a previous trip and Paul didn't want a quitter anywhere near him.

The argument got so heated that Paul and Barnabas separated. Barnabas took John Mark and Paul chose Silas.

Fortunately, Paul later recognized that he was wrong. Any apologies that may have been said are not recorded in Scripture. Yet, we see clear evidence that Paul eased up on John Mark and sought to affirm him rather than reject him. 

Just read these words penned by the Apostle Paul as he wrote his last letter before he was executed by the Romans. He asked Timothy to come to him soon and...

2 Timothy 4:9-11 "Make every effort to come to me soon ... Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry."

Did you see that last sentence? Paul not only wanted to see John Mark, he said that he was useful to him in ministry. Previously, he wanted to do ministry without him but now he was saying that Mark was a helpful associate in ministry.

Isn't it great to see that two men serving the Lord actually demonstrated in their own lives the kind of grace that they preached about to others? 

Oh, and by the way, Mark wasn't sitting on the sidelines waiting for Paul to affirm him. He was actively involved in ministry as he faithfully assisted the Apostle Peter and wrote the Gospel that bears his name.

So, from this, we can draw at least two applications to take with us today:

- We're going to disagree with others from time to time. But, it doesn't need to separate us. Recognize that since we have been forgiven and accepted by Jesus, we should extend the same acts of grace to others.

- We should not rely upon the affirmation of others to determine what we do for the Kingdom. While it feels good to be accepted by others, we are ultimately working to please our King. So, get busy in ministry regardless of what others may or may not think of you.

Returning to holiness

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Kings 1:1–2:25 
Acts 13:42–14:7 
Psalm 139:1-24 
Proverbs 17:19-21

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 139:23-24 (CSB) "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 139 is a wonderful Psalm for quite a few reasons. Let me share two.

First, there are three "omni's" that speak of God's immensity:

Omniscient = God knows all things completely.
Omnipresent = God is completely everywhere at all times.
Omnipotent = God can do anything God wants to do.

So, when we look at the structure of Psalm 139, we realize that it can easily be divided into three sections. Further, each of these sections align with one of the "omni's" of God.

Psalm 139:1-6 = Omniscience of God
Psalm 139:7-12 = Omnipresence of God
Psalm 139:13-16 = Omnipotence of God

It is significant that the Holy Spirit led the Psalmist to illustrate these three attributes of God in relationship to him. God is omniscient (He knew everything about David); God is omnipresent (no matter where David went, God would be there); God is omnipotent (God was actively working to form David when he was en utero).

The remainder of the Psalm speaks of the Psalmist's amazement that such an incredible, infinite God would care so much for him (Psalm 136:17-18). He further asked that his infinite God would pronounce judgement on those who hate Him (Psalm 136:19-22). And finally, he asks that his infinite God would assist him in his desire to be holy and set apart for God (Psalm 136:23-24).

This final section is what I have chosen for our Verses for Today. Psalm 136:23-24 can be a wonderful prayer that we offer up to God if we want to do a thorough "spring cleaning" in our heart. 

Oftentimes, unconfessed sin can be forgotten and therefore never resolved. There can also be sin patterns in our hearts that we don't even notice. These scenarios and more will keep us from enjoying our God.

So, consider praying the words of Psalm 136:23-24 from your heart for the next few days and listen intently to what God may reveal. If there is some sin that you become aware of, completely confess and repent (turn away from it).

Our infinite God and Father wants us to live in such a way that we are not burdened down with guilt (legal and experiential). He also wants us to reflect His glory to others (show others by our lifestyle how good He is). The only way He can do this is if we are clean in His sight.

So, let the words of our Verses for Today be what God uses to begin the cleaning process.

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way."

To forgive or not to forgive

DAILY BIBLE READING:

1 Kings 15:25–17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 17:9 (NLT) "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

After well over a decade of counseling men and women, I am convinced that one of the biggest problems we all have is forgiving those who have wronged us.

God has placed within us a clear sense of right and wrong and a desire for justice when wrongs are committed. Yet, when we add to this our self-centered sin nature that tends to make ourselves the center of the universe, this contorts the matter. Instead of offering grace when an injustice has been done against us, we hold onto the offense. We refuse to let it go. We reflect on it in our minds until our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises and our breathing becomes more noticeable.

But, when we look at unforgiveness as it really is, we come to see that it is dumb. I mean really stupid! Because, someone who refuses to forgive is essentially saying, "You have wronged me and I will continue to hold onto that memory until it works to destroy me."

That's where our Verse for Today comes in. It tells us that when we forgive others (implying that they have wronged us), then love is free to thrive in that relationship. We can move toward relational and emotional health. However, if we hold onto it, even the closest of relationships can be destroyed as it destroys us.

Friend, any pagan can love those who love them and hold onto offenses when they are wronged. If you are a follow of Jesus, you are held to a higher standard AND empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so.

So forgive those who have wronged you.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Our forgiving God

DAILY BIBLE READING:

1 Kings 9:1–10:29 
Acts 8:14-40 
Psalm 130:1-8 
Proverbs 17:2-3

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 130:3-4 "Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Verse for Today, the Psalmist pointed out a few important facts which foreshadow the New Testament Gospel:

First of all, he acknowledged that he was a sinner (he had committed iniquities). This simply means that there were times when he violated God's laws. Either he did something God had forbidden or he omitted something that God said to do.

Second, he recognized that if God had kept a record of every sin, no one could stand before him. No one could enjoy His presence. All would be cast out as lawbreakers fit for eternal punishments.

Third, he celebrated the fact that God is a forgiving God. His sins had been wiped away by a God who is merciful (didn't give him the bad stuff that he rightfully deserved) and gracious (gave him the good stuff that he didn't deserve). But, as New Testament saints, we realize that God cannot, as a just and holy God, simply overlook sin. It is an offense against His holiness and justice and it must be punished. We praise God that He determined in eternity past to show us how good of a God He is by sending His own Son to take the punishment we deserved for all who would believe in Him.

Finally, the Psalmist said that God was to be revered. Because of what He had done for him (in light of what He could have done to him) He is to be praised. He didn't deserve forgiveness but he had received it. He didn't deserve access into God's presence but he had received it. He didn't deserve an eternal home in Heaven but he received it. And, as New Testament saints, because of what God has done for us in Christ, we should praise Him!

Psalm 130:3-4 "Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered."