TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL Matthew 6: 5-15 TODAY'S RHEMA Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
After dating for a period, Liz and Jimmy decided to get married. Their marital life was just fine until Jimmy hardly had time for his wife because he was so occupied with work. With the lack of attention from her husband, Liz became unduly close to a male colleague at her workplace. The closeness between them turned into an affair over time. Six months on in the affair, Liz joined a women retreat where she realized her mistake. She admitted her fault to her husband. Her confession left Jimmy so devastated but he made the right choice which was to come before God and asked for strength to forgive his wife, Liz. In a teary reunion, he came to Liz, his wife and told her that he decided to open his heart once again to love her. At that moment, Liz saw Christ in her husband, who never rejects anyone who comes to Him, no matter their sin. Their relationship was restored and took a new turn.
To forgive probably is the hardest thing to do. However, forgiveness is an undeniable proof of love. When a husband and wife are willing to forgive one another, the love between them is evident. After all, we are human beings full of shortcomings and mistakes. Since God has forgiven us, why is it so difficult for us to forgive others?
In fact, when God forgave us, He gave us the capacity to forgive. The Word of God states clearly that we should forgive our spouse, children and all who wrong us, just as God in Christ has already forgiven us (Eph.4:32). Only through forgiveness can we triumph over the disappointment, bitterness, and all the traumas of the past. We can also welcome a better future. By His grace, we will experience restoration, fall in love again, and enjoy our marriage on earth as it is in Heaven. God bless you. REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, You SECURE the FUTURE with a FORGIVING HEART APPLICATIONS 1. How do you respond when your spouse disappoints you? 2. Why does God want you to have a forgiving heart? 3. What can you do to start forgiving your spouse? TODAY'S PRAYER "Kind Father, thank You for understanding this broken heart and disappointment of mine. Teach me to be able to forgive my spouse so that I can enjoy heaven on earth in my family. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
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