“Forgiveness reveals our Faith”
Today’s scripture is packed full of valuable truth and instructions! So let’s jump into it!
Luke 17:1-4
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. 3 So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Jesus is teaching His disciples, He begins with an obvious statement. There will always be temptation to sin. We live in a fallen, evil and sinful world, sin will always be readily available. But Jesus points out, sorrow awaits those who do the tempting. When I read this I was reminded of a scripture I shared on Sunday. Psalm 116:14 I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people. The Psalmist is committing to keep his promises in the presence of God’s people, why? Our witness and testimony is important. We fall into danger when we do what is wrong, it gives those who are young or weak in the faith the permission to do what is wrong. As Jesus said “be careful!”
Jesus also instructs us, if we see a brother or sister sinning rebuke them. Notice, if you see them, not if someone else tells you. Be careful with third hand information it will get you into trouble. Also if you can’t confront someone in love please remain quiet. The purpose of rebuke is ALWAYS restoration and reconciliation not judgment and condemnation. Our responsibility is to love, forgive and restore! Even if the person does the same thing again and again. If they apologize and seeks forgiveness, forgive them!
Remember Jesus warns us of confronting others before we evaluate ourselves. It is easy to point someone else’s sin out rather than acknowledging and taking responsibility of our own. My friends this teaching is so important and needs to be done in the body of Christ. But it always needs to be done in truth and grace for one purpose. Restoration and to glorify our Father in Heaven!
Father, thank you for sending Jesus to demonstrate Your love and to give His life as a ransom. Through His death we are forgiven, not because we deserve it or earned it. Therefore I pray as we have freely received we will also extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us so that they will experience Your love, grace and salvation! Thank You for Your perfect example of truth and grace!! Amen!
Categories: BLOG