Day 19: Luke 15, 16, 17
The past three chapters focused on a similar topic of repentance & forgiveness. We, as His children, are asked to repent for our sins and for our forgiveness. Through the act of repentance, we get to practice the act of forgiveness. They go hand in hand and by reading Luke 15, 16 and 17, you’ll understand why. As you read the following excerpts on what Jesus says about repentance, reflect on your own actions.
7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7
21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ Luke 15:21
“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4
10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” Luke 17:10
Humility – it’s what we need. It’s what takes us off of our “high horse” to realize that anything we collect in this world will not translate over to our final place in Heaven next to our Father. This world is where you get to practice humility, forgiveness and repentance. Have we not all had reasons to repent and be forgiven? As you wish for forgiveness, wonder if there is a forgiveness to be bestowed to those around you.
Father, it is hard to forgive because of the hurt. But please, open our eyes and soften our hardened hearts, so that we can truly humble ourselves to understand what forgiveness is. If we can ask you for forgiveness, who are we to deny that to our fellow brothers and sisters. I pray that any ill wills squatting in our hearts will diminish into nothing – truly. Let us practice the forgiveness that you shine on us daily. I thank you for allowing me to trust in You and to develop as a true disciple in Your word. Amen
Nourished by His Word 