June 27, 2023
Topic: DOING GOOD TO ALL – Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Text: Matthew 18:21-22, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV): “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Forgiveness and reconciliation are vital components of doing good to all people. As committed Christians, we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God, and to seek reconciliation when relationships have been broken.
In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven times.” This means that we are called to forgive others, no matter how many times they may hurt or disappoint us. Matt. 5:23 If a brother has something against you, you are offering a gift at the altar and you happen to remember, the Holy Scripture admonishes that reconciliation must be done first, before the offering.
Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave us all our sins. Therefore, when we forgive others, we are following the example of Christ, who forgave us and reconciled us to God. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to bear with each other and forgive one another if any of us has a grievance against someone. We are called to forgive others and work towards reconciliation, just as Christ has reconciled us to God.
Forgiveness and reconciliation can be difficult, but they are essential to our relationships with others and with God. When we forgive others and seek reconciliation, we are doing good to all people and reflecting the love of Christ.
Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for the forgiveness you have given us through Christ. Help us to extend that same forgiveness and seek reconciliation when our relationships have been broken. Give us the strength to forgive others, no matter how many times they may hurt us, and to work towards reconciliation in our relationships. May we reflect your love and grace as we seek to do good to all people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.