Devotions

Read Romans 3:21-26

If you do not "forgive" others,
neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses.

- Matthew 6:15 (NRSV)

"GIVE us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also for- ..." (Luke 11:3, NIV). I couldn't finish the word, the sentence, or the Lord's Prayer. Forgive? How do I forgive the stranger who two days ago took my wallet?

Shock, anger, and fear again combined to make me feel sick. Instead of praying to forgive, I continued to pray that this person would just take the money rather than use the information in the wallet to steal my identity.

During the next weeks I continued to try to forgive, but my words were not sincere. One day when I felt less angry, I decided to pray that somehow this person would come to know Jesus, to learn that he died on the cross so our sins might be forgiven. Just as I prayed this, a voice within me asked, "And what sins do you need to have forgiven?" Other than not forgiving the one who sinned against me? Within minutes other sins came to mind.

I finally realized that I am just as much a sinner as the person who took my wallet. God created both of us. Jesus died on the cross for both of us. This thought helped me to forgive and to begin the healing process.

Thought for the Day -- What do I need to ask forgiveness for?
 

Prayer--Loving Father, forgive us. Help us, in turn, to for-give others as we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation." Amen.

Prayer focus: Victims of crime in my town