It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever had someone offend you? Either their words or their actions really hurt your feelings. With no regret or guilt, this individual hurt your feelings and walked off as if nothing wrong occurred. Have you ever offended someone? Without thinking twice, you said the first thing that came into your mind. After saying it, you knew it was wrong but you refused to apologize. When was the last time you accepted someone’s plea for forgiveness? The individual who hurt you has now asked for your forgiveness and hand of mercy. Have you forgiven them? Are you still harboring animosity toward someone or about something? Do you not know that uncontrolled anger will lead you to sin? The Word of God says, “Father forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
This morning, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Are you aware that the forgiveness you seek from the Father comes after you have forgiven the one who asked your forgiveness? Many times we think by smiling and acting as though everything is okay it pleases the Lord. Forgiveness is an action not a hidden secret. It requires you to step out of your flesh and self. My friend, Who Needs A Second Chance? Who are you angry with? Has your behavior changed because you have housed this bitterness? The enemy desires to shackle you down through your pride. The Bible declares in Matthew 6:14 – For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Each person, at one point in their life, stands in need of God’s merciful forgiveness. Each day we come up short in one way or another (Romans 3:23). The thing we said we would never do, we find ourselves doing it again (Romans 7). But each time, God is willing to forgive us our sins. Who Needs A Second Chance?
My brother, my sister, you will never experience true peace until you release the anger you have on the inside. Put yourself in the position of a person needing someone else’s forgiveness. Would you expect them to forgive you? Would you understand if they did not? The Bible declares in Mark 11:26 – But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Beloved, Who Needs A Second Chance? What if the Lord treated us the way we treat others when they seek forgiveness? What if God turned His back on us the way we turn our backs on others? The Bible declares in Matthew 5:23-24 – Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Child of God, Who Needs A Second Chance? Since the Lord has given you a second chance, do you owe someone else a second chance? Prayer for Today: Father, forgive me for not forgiving my brother or sister. When I was in need of forgiveness, you forgave. Today, I will forgive those who asked for my forgiveness. In Jesus’ name … Amen!
Scripture Reading for Today: 1 John 1:9
May God Bless you at Your point of need!
Pastor Darrick D. McGhee, Sr.