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.
— Matthew 6:14
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

The great circle of grace.
Illustration of Matthew 6:14
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 6:14 -- If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
A Hard but Liberating Truth
Devo: Together in Christ
"[As Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he emphasized this crucial truth:] "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will..."
Forgive
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father...."
Jesus Smiled
Article by Phil Ware
Our God is the God of surprising opportunities, fresh hope, and new life. Phil Ware reminds us of John Mark's failure when he deserted the mission field and the mission team and describes how God used this mess and the grace, mercy, and love of godly men to bring great good out of potential disaster.
See All 24 Related Resources about Matthew 6:14

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

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God of Rescue' (Acts 7:8-10)
"[Stephen continued his defense by reviewing some significant things in the lives of Israel's patriarchs:] "God also gave Abraham the covenant of..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by James Houston:
"When our lives are focused on God, awe and wonder lead us to worship God, filling our inner being with a fullness we would never have thought possible. Awe..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'My Father Never Stops Working' (Jn. 5:16-17)
"So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules [by healing on the Sabbath]. But Jesus replied, "My Father is always..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Matthew 27:14
"He had never been slow of speech when he could bless the sons of men, but he would not say a single word for himself. "Never man spake like this man,"..."

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.

More Today's Verse