THE GATE TO FREEDOM
Matthew 6:14–15 (14) – “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. (NLT)
Read: Matthew 18:21–35
“As I walked towards the gate of freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
Nelson Mandela, who would have clocked 106 years today, made the above statement on why he had to forgive his jailers. Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist who fought against white dominance and brutality in South Africa. As a result, the apartheid government imprisoned the prominent activist for 27 years. After his release from jail, Mandela never sought revenge but rather preached peace and tolerance to heal the nation. The late South African leader’s act is an embodiment of what Matthew 18:21–22 preaches: There are no limits to showing mercy because forgiveness is about letting go of whatever is done against you without anger or retaliation.
Mandela’s actions and the words of Jesus about forgiveness in today’s Bible reading reflect what God expects of His children: that you must forgive and put the past behind you. Let go of any anger, sorrow, or pain that others may have caused you, for unforgiveness will only imprison your emotions and breed hatred. The only exception to which you cannot forgive is if you have never sinned before, like Jesus. But even the spotless Jesus did forgive and still does. Always be prepared to forgive those who wrong you, and cultivate the ability to extend love to everyone. By so doing, you free up your conscience to obtain favour and mercy from God.
ACTION POINT
Hymn: – I Want to Be Like Jesus in My Heart – Deacon L. J. Bates (1926)
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to grant you the grace and capacity to forgive and forget whatever has been done against you!
2. Take active steps to reconcile where necessary.
(MIDNIGHT PRAYER)
1. Father, let Your grace erase my years of shame, waste, and reproach.
2. Father, please take the struggle away from my labour and grant me rest and peace like a river.
3. Father, please liberate me, my family, and the Church from every spiritual, mental, financial, and physical captivity.
GOD BLESS YOU!
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