July 5, 2026
Life can offer one temptation after another. The ways of the world look fun, seem profitable and often harmless. But it can reek of evil for God’s followers. We need to read the Word and keep it! Eventually we mature to the point where we understand the benefits of godly living. For example, forgiveness is not for the offender, it is for the offended. Forgiving others is like vacuuming your heart. The anger you’ve been feeling goes away, taking with it resentment, distrust, and negative expectations for your next encounter. Forgiveness blesses us as much as it blesses the people we forgive.
When we exercise the God kind of love we automatically act out of an attitude of empathy and forgiveness. We remember when something or someone in the world tempted us to do something even though our conscience warned us it was ungodly. Let our hearts focus on love and forgiveness and leave the scorecards to the devil.
It can feel like our government is not fair, isn’t righteous, and does not treat everyone equally. That is likely true. It was also true when Jesus told Peter to pay taxes. So, He provided the funds for that payment by placing a coin in a fish’s mouth. Pay taxes and trust God when the government takes way more than their share. God makes a way when there is no way.
I am discovering something interesting. I understand the need to forgive those who have personally hurt me or caused pain. Where I am struggling to be forgiving is with violent and criminal people who keep everyone on edge and worried. In the Old Testament God would smite and destroy evil and I want to smite too. Forgiving cruelty and wickedness is hard.
In an earlier lesson we read that sometimes forgiveness has to be articulated again. That is especially true when it comes to forgiving ourselves. That is because the devil is quick to remind us of our sins every time he notices we’re a little down. Always remind the devil who you are in Christ and he will surrender and walk away.
Lord God, I understand why You told Peter we have to forgive seventy times seven. Because we forget we forgave! Somehow a name or an incident comes back up and I can feel angry all over again. I become accusatory and judgmental again, that old wound starts hurting like when it was fresh. I repent and forgive. Again. Until finally it takes, I mature a bit more, and eventually I no longer have to redo it. Help me, Lord, to never deny my forgiving heart.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38