“So watch what you do! “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” —Luke 17:3 (GNT)
Our opening text teaches us a wonderful lesson that will help us relate well with others. Most times, when people offend us, we keep it in our hearts and become resentful instead of politely confronting them. This is not how God wants us to live.
Why? Because when people offend us and we don’t let them know they have done wrong, we deprive them of the opportunity to recognize their wrong, apologize for it, and change. When we instead keep that offense in our hearts, it begins to pollute us and hinder our prayers.
Therefore, to avoid this error, Jesus gave this instruction:
“So watch what you do! “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in one day, and each time he comes to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” —Luke 17:3-4 (GNT)
It is that simple. When Jesus said to rebuke him, He didn’t say to do it angrily or arrogantly. That will only make matters worse. Therefore, you should rebuke in love.
Now, someone might say, “What if they don’t repent?” Should you still forgive them? The answer is yes. Forgive them because we are commanded to do so, and move on with your life. But most importantly, pray for them, that the Lord may intervene in their lives. This way, you don’t keep them or their offense in your heart.
These are important steps you must take to manage your relationships. So, I encourage you today to do what Jesus says and be free in your heart. Hallelujah!
Today’s Rhema
If you have been offended by anyone, show them their wrong politely and be quick to forgive them!
Confession for the Day
The grace to forgive and let go is at work in me. Therefore, I choose to forgive at all times, and I refuse to keep any offense in my heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
