DCLM Daily Manna 22 August 2023 — The Gift Of Forgiveness
DCLM Daily Manna 22 August 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Gift Of Forgiveness
Topic: The Gift Of Forgiveness
TEXT: Matthew 18:23-35
24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Key Verse: “Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt… Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant…?” (Matthew 18:32,33).
Message
Forgiveness is a gift of God that every redeemed soul has the capacity to generate and give others freely. Materials for its production are always available and can be obtained freely, courtesy of the grace of God. Forgiveness is a gift that must be produced and used by all because, as someone said, “He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven”.
Also Read: Open Heaven 22 August 2023 – When God Calls You 2
The parable Jesus gave here focuses on forgiveness. When it was properly used, it brought joy and relief. When it was denied and left unused, it brought pain and anguish. A servant owed his master ten thousand talents and he could not pay. After pleading for forgiveness, the master forgave him of the debt and set him free. Shortly after, the forgiven servant accosted a fellow servant owing him a hundred pence. He also could not pay and he appealed to the creditor servant to give him more time to pay. However, the man refused and sent him to be locked up till he would pay. Report of the unforgiving actions of the servant got to the master and he promptly withdrew the gift of forgiveness he had earlier given to the unforgiving servant.
Forgiveness is rooted in the unconditional love of God that was demonstrated on the cross at Calvary. Jesus died for sinful men and by this God offers us true forgiveness. We are the servants that owed much and at the same time received so much. We are the same people that fellow “servants” offend. Will we forgive them as we have been forgiven?
Failure to forgive others will attract unsavoury outcome to us. True forgiveness is a free gift from God that we must give to all who offend us today.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
They, who forgive most, shall be most forgiven.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Psalm 11-18
Also Read: DCLM Daily Manna 21 August 2023 — The Lord’s Majesty
Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2023 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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)
