A WORD FOR TODAY 12 AUGUST 2021

A WORD FOR TODAY

TAKE A STEP FURTHER AND FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART

_"and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you? And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”(Matthew 18:33-35)_

_*Today in the gospel reading we are presented with the message of forgiveness. It is something we find in God who shows us mercy when we offend Him and He forgives us. Jesus also did the same when he was here on earth and especially when he was dying on the cross.*_

_As long as we are here on earth as human beings, we are bound to agree sometimes and disagree at other times. People quarrel, fight, bear grudges and misunderstand each other. The things that they do to you can hurt you badly and you will plan to even pay them back in their own coin._

_*Therefore, it was a serious issue at that time as it is today and Peter wanted to find out from Jesus how many times one can be offended, before he could retaliate. Jesus' response simply shows that there is no limit to forgiveness. We must continue to forgive, because God shows us mercy and forgives us when we offend Him.*_

_The story narrated by Jesus to explain to Peter what forgiveness means, is one that should teach us a few lessons. The servant that owed a thousand talents was forgiven by his master, but when he saw another servant who owed him a lesser amount he could not do to him as he has been done to. This is simply wickedness. He was shown mercy and he refused to do the same to others and he was punished because of that._

_*People whose hearts are bitter and wicked are bound to hurt us and treat us badly, but we must continously strive to make our hearts pure so that we will always pay them back with goodness and kindness when they offend us. We do not achieve anything when we retaliate and pay back evil with evil. We must forgive others as God forgives us. Therefore, take a step further, ask God for the grace, forgive that person who has hurt you and your heart will be at peace with your God.*_

_True forgiveness from your heart is key to your peace of soul and happiness in life. A lot of burdens and loads are taken off our shoulders when we forgive. Do not insist on bearing grudges in your heart, release yourself from the bondage of unforgiveness so that you will be free to serve your God and be like Him to all men. It is painful when people hurt us and it is difficult to forgive them, but we must forgive them if we are going to be like God. If Jesus could forgive those who crucified Him on the cross, then we are bound as His followers to do the same. If we cannot forgive, then we cannot claim to be children of our Father who is in heaven and followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the grace and then simply forgive and let go and your life will never be the same again._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May Jesus give you the grace to forgive those who have offended you and also ask forgiveness from those you have offended. May He heal the wounds in your heart and help you to find mercy when you seek His face. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Joshua 3:7-11, 13-17/Psalm 114:1-6/Matthew 18:21-19:1

*Watch-Word:* Forgive others and your heavenly Father will forgive you.

*Never allow unforgiveness to hold you in bondage. Take a step and forgive from your heart and you will be free to worship your God.*

(Thursday of the 19th week in the ordinary time, year 1)