DCLM Higher Everyday 20 January 2024 — Conditions For Forgiveness
DCLM Higher Everyday 20 January 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Conditions For Forgiveness
Topic: Conditions For Forgiveness
Text: Proverbs 28:13-14
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Key Verse: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Message
The Bible story of the prodigal son serves as an apt illustration for our topic of today. The prodigal son, after a period of reckless lifestyle in a far country, became remorseful, penitent and in repentance confessed to his father about his misdeeds. The father promptly forgave him. So all that is required for forgiveness is genuine repentance. In his book, The Charismatic Ministry, Gordon Lindsay states, “God in His mercy will forgive all sins except one. So he forgives even adultery when those who have committed it turn from it in real repentance. But often there is much heartache, loss of reputation, sometimes even a breakup of the home.” We see that both God and man will forgive where there is repentance – often, just a heartfelt apology – “I am sorry.”
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 19 January 2024 – Admonition of Ahab
A lot of people offend and run off without any apology. Only people who do not value relationships behave like that. How is your relationship with people? Do you have a relationship with God? If you are a sinner, go to God for forgiveness, Jesus came for the purpose. You will be forgiven.
Quote: Often, just a heartfelt apology
Challenge: Confess and forsake your sins today.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins; forgive me.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
