Let Forgiveness Come from Your Heart Not Just Your Mouth

“…so my heavenly father will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses…” Matthew 18:35 (NKJV)

The issue of forgiveness in our Christian walk cannot be overemphasized because of the important role it plays in our lives. Forgiveness is instrumental to our victory in life. A man who does not forgive cheats himself and this is why we can never stop talking about it. 

In Matthew 18:23-34, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke about a servant who was owing his master some money. The master commanded that he and his wife and children, with all that he had, be sold so that he could recover his money. But this servant pleaded with the master to be patient towards him. His Master took pity on him and entirely forgave the debt. So the servant went his way. But while the servant was on his way, he saw a fellow servant who owed him some money and he insisted that he pay him his money. But when the money was not forthcoming, he threw that servant into prison. 

On seeing this, his fellow servants reported him to his master. “Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “…you wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him…” Matthew 18:32-34. Why? Because when he had the opportunity to forgive as he had been forgiven, he didn’t forgive. So Jesus concluded saying, “so my heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses…” Matthew 18:35 (NKJV). 

Beloved,  if we do not forgive others, we cannot enjoy forgiveness either. So it is important that in our Christian walk we learn to forgive from the heart, not just our mouth. Let forgiveness spring forth from the depth of your heart because only then, can you truly forgive those who offend you. So the question is, who do you need to forgive? Consider doing that from the depth of your heart and your life will not remain the same. Praise God!

Today’s Rhema

Forgiveness that doesn’t come from the heart is not forgiveness, so learn to forgive from the heart!

Confession for the Day

The grace to forgive others from the depth of my heart, rests on me mightily and I give out forgiveness effortlessly without reservation in the name of Jesus. I do not struggle with it, and as I forgive others, I am swimming in its rewards in Jesus name. Amen!