Topic: First Forgive
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” – Mark 11:25, NLT
Joel Osteen Daily Devotional 22 August 2020 Message:
In today’s Scripture, Jesus was talking about what we should do when somebody does us wrong. Notice the principle of forgiveness: let go of what you’re holding on to, drop the matter. It’s easy to get upset and stay offended, but you’re not hurting the other person; you’re poisoning yourself. The reason that Jesus says to leave it is that you’re going to be tempted later to pick up the hurt again when you think about what was said or done. Some people pick up the same offense for years. It’s not a bag they carry anymore; unforgiveness is a part of who they are.
What was done might have been unfair or unkind, but God is a God of justice. He’ll make your wrongs right. When you leave it, that doesn’t mean you’re giving in and don’t care about what happened. No, you’re saying, “God, You are my vindicator. I’m leaving that offense with You. I’m not carrying around any baggage.”
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can forgive and release others from past offenses and hurts. Thank You that I can drop whatever it is and let it go, knowing You will make things right. I declare that I am leaving any offenses in Your hands and moving forward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Joel Osteen Daily Devotional 22 August 2020 – Joel Scott Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, and author, based in Houston, Texas. Osteen has been called the “most popular preacher on the planet” and is often listed as one of the most influential religious leaders in the world.