Shema
CF Ambassador
- Nov 20, 2020
- 822
- 447
An Emoji Devotional for Sun 9th February 2025
Topic: Certificate of Forgiveness
Highlight:
Jesus said, ‘If your Christian friend has done something wrong against you, you must go and speak to him. When you are alone with him, tell him what he has done that is wrong. He may agree with what you say. If he does, then you can call him your friend again. But maybe he does not want to listen to you. Then take one or two other people with you to speak to him. They will then know what wrong things your friend has done. Remember what the Bible says: “There must be two or three people to say certainly that another person has done something wrong. Two or three people must agree what has happened.” If your friend still will not agree that he has done something wrong, then go and tell the church leaders. If he does not agree with the leaders, stop being his friend. He is like somebody who refuses to obey God.
Matthew 15:17-18
The certificate of Forgiveness is what will be required before your name is even looked up in the lamb book of life. Our Lord is asking us to make sure we seek every means to get that certificate before we excommunicate those who have wronged us in such a way that, even if they do not want to listen to us when we tell about what offense they'd committed we should still press forward to make sure they sign the contract of Forgiveness through resolution between the both of us. Forgiveness is in two ways. You may say in your heart that someone has wronged you whereas it was you who misunderstood the whole point. That's why Jesus emphasizes the importance of going to the person, talking to them, and clearing up any misunderstandings.
The second way is when someone has genuinely wronged you. Even then, Jesus teaches us to forgive, not for the other person's sake, but for ours. Unforgiveness can weigh us down, causing bitterness and resentment to take root.
The "certificate of forgiveness" is not a physical document, but a spiritual one. It's the assurance that we've done our part to reconcile with others and forgive those who've wronged us. When we stand before God, this certificate will be required, not as a condition for salvation, but as evidence of our obedience to Jesus' teachings.
As we reflect on this passage, let's ask ourselves:
- Is there someone I need to forgive or reconcile with?
- Am I holding onto unforgiveness or bitterness?
- What steps can I take today to seek forgiveness and reconciliation?
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to understand the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Give me the courage to take the first step towards healing and restoration. May I be a reflection of your love and mercy to those around me. Amen.
