“Extending Forgiveness”

Matthew 6:14-15

Extending is defined to stretch out; draw out to the full length; spreading; continuous.

God says to forgive, whether it's forgiveness for others or forgiveness for ourselves, forgiveness is important to start the healing process. Forgiveness is an act of obedience. God delights in your obedience, especially when you obey Him in challenging times. Obedience is a way of life for God's people. Your obedience to God is what makes your relationship with Him possible, it's the virtue that keeps you close to your heavenly father. Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." The Bible says to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Dealing with unkind people isn't easy, because sometimes they will take advantage of you, which usually results in you feeling vulnerable. We must respond with patience, keep praying, and wait on God to intervene when people are taking advantage of us. 

I come by tonight to let you know we must extend forgiveness even when someone hurt us. Endure with love and continually forgive others. Other people may laugh and think we are being silly, but forgiveness is an act of patience. It's through patience, while we put up with unkind people that we find inner peace and ultimately, God's deliverance. Be bless and I love you!!! JE