Forgiving Others

Scripture: Luke 17:3-4
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. and if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

Observation:
Jesus is telling the disciples to forgive people. Even if they repeatedly offend or sin against you. If they say they are sorry, we are to forgive them.

Application:
I don't like admitting this, but I have been known to carry a grudge or two. I get upset or angry about some injustice and then I want to stay angry for awhile. I really wonder why I do that, it doesn't help me, it actually hurts me. Having said that, is it OK to let people walk all over you repeatedly? I don't think so, I can usually tell if someone is being sincere or not, and I don't have to remain in a situation where I am constantly the door mat. When someone offends me, I should let them know about it, in a kind way. When they say they are sorry, I should forgive them, even if it happens again and again. I sin, every single day, and every day I have to ask for forgiveness. My Father in Heaven forgives me every time I sincerely ask him. Since Jesus is my example and He forgives me continually, then I should follow His example and forgive also.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for loving me and wanting a relationship with me. Help me to follow Your example and forgive others. In Jesus Name Amen.