He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
Hebrews 7:27
Once and for all means once and for all. A sacrifice has been made that has covered your sins. Repent, learn from your mistakes, accept forgiveness and move on with thanksgiving and gratitude.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:17
Jesus is your redeemer, your salvation, your deliverer. If you perceive Him as the one to knock your knees out from under you, and slap you down at every wrong move, adjust your perspective. Use this passage as permission and encouragement to refocus.
You received without paying; give without pay.
Matthew 10:8b
What a simple reminder. Let us live this way.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14,15
If you’re holding a grudge today, or harboring resentment or bitterness, consider the source, deal with it; forgive and let go.
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23,24
Forgiveness is vital, both given and received. Exemplify this in your daily interactions with family, friends and colleagues. Reconciliation is powerful; it creates space for us to fully experience God.
…as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
God offers forgiveness. Are you in a posture to receive it? Often times though we are forgiven, the harder thing is forgiving ourselves. If you’re holding a grudge against yourself, or letting guilt hang over you, let it go. If God can forgive you, surely you can forgive you.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 13:34,35; 15:12,17
Over and over again, Jesus insists we love one another. Be intentional today to lay down any pride, anger, resentment or grudges that you may be holding onto, and love one another.
He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.
1 Samuel 24:17-19
Like David in this passage, let us show mercy where it might not necessarily be the first idea that comes to our minds. Recollect the mercy shown you by God and let that inspire your mercy toward others.
The Daily Verse Volume I book is the perfect gift year-round for family & friends! If you haven’t already ordered your copies, do so by clicking here or on the “store” link above!
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:15,16,18
Jesus’ next encounter with Peter consisted of Him saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” Be reminded that the human beings that God has chosen to represent Him are imperfect, flawed and prone to making mistakes. However, God’s grace covers them (and you). Do your best to represent Him, and when others who do show themselves imperfect, have the same kind of grace and mercy on them as Christ Himself does.
The Daily Verse Volume I book is the perfect gift year-round for family & friends! If you haven’t already ordered your copies, do so by clicking here or on the “store” link above!
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Luke 23:34
Jesus was willing to have compassion on His enemies at the point of His death at their hands; let us follow His example and conquer situations where our lack of forgiveness is holding us back from truly displaying God’s love for others and His desire for our own freedom.
The Daily Verse Volume I book is the perfect gift year-round for family & friends! If you haven’t already ordered your copies, do so by clicking here or on the “store” link above!