Today's Verse: Matthew 6:14

Wednesday, August 20, 1947

If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As Christians, we are meant to live in God's environment of forgiveness and grace. As we forgive others, the basis of that forgiveness is the incredible debt that God has already forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32-5:1; Matthew 6:14-15, 18:21-35). God wants to see his forgiveness kept in circulation and passed on to others by us. God joyously pours out more forgiveness and love into us as we forgive others (Romans 5:5). As hard as it is for us to forgive someone who has harmed and wounded us, Jesus wants us to know that the blessings far outweigh the costs!

My Prayer...

Loving and just God, thank you for cleansing and forgiving me through the atoning sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for challenging me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Thank you for demanding that your people be a community of forgiveness. Forgive us, and especially forgive me, when we are reluctant, slow, and hesitant with our forgiveness. I ask especially that you will forgive ___ for ____, and I ask you to bless this person with your love and grace as the Holy Spirit heals my heart from its wounds. I ask for this power to forgive and heal, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

24 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:14 — If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, August 20, 1947

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"A debate broke out between John's disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John's disciples came to him and said, "Rabbi, the man..."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Peter continued,] "Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything...."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.