Deeper Life #31

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

—Matthew 18:35

THE FULL FRUIT OF SANCTIFICATION is biblically demanded of the one who has received the grace of sins forgiven. If the unmerited mercy of God shown to me is not reshown to others, my justification is annulled. If the unmerited forgiveness of God awarded to me is not exercised toward others, my justification is annulled.

Forgetting is the essence of divine forgiveness. Unless my forgiveness of other people “forgets” their trespasses against me, the grace of God in me is a mere painted flower, and I am a play actor.

Listen to this warning: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Prayer Thought: Help me, O Lord, to forgive the trespasses of others.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 18:21–35