Daily Devotional for August 28, 2020

Rerun of Daily Devotional August 29, 2017

One of the real struggles for a church our size is that, between the three different worship services, it is very hard to know everyone’s name.  This means that from time-to-time, I have to explain who someone is.

Yesterday, Laura was trying to identify one of our new members.  She said, “He looks military, but not like you military, he’s fit military.” 

Immediately, Laura realized what she had said and started repeating, “I am sorry.  You have to forgive me.”  But just because I preach forgiveness doesn’t mean I believe in it.

I told her who he was and then went to my office to call David and tell him he needed to make sure Laura started showing me more respect.  But I was pretty sure David would tell me I was on my own.

Then I opened the Book of Discipline to find out the procedure to excommunicate Laura from the United Methodist Church, but there was too much paperwork, so instead, I decided to make her the subject of today’s devotional instead.

The two subjects that Jesus spent the most time talking about are forgiveness and money/possessions.  That’s because these are the two areas that are the most difficult to deal with.

And while you may not have a Laura in your life, more than likely there is someone you need to forgive.
Please hear this.  Forgiveness is not an option for those who follow Christ.  It is a mandate that we cannot dismiss or pretend we never heard.

After Jesus taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer, he said, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but it you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  (Matthew 6:14-15)

So put forth the effort to forgive and know that more than likely, it will not be a one-time occurrence.  Continue to forgive the offense until it no longer has a hold on your life.  You will be glad you did.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please help me to forgive everyone who has hurt me or someone I love.  Fill my heart with grace, my soul with peace, and my mouth with words of healing.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

I guess if Jesus can look down from the cross and forgive those who are killing him, then I can forgive the insults and injuries of my life.  This even includes Laura.  It’s the Christian thing to do.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins