The Monthly Devotional (TMD)
4th Week
Day 24
Lay your hearts bare and ask God to forgive and cleanse you
Introduction:
Even the holy man sins several times a day, as the scripture reveals. Job sought every opportunity to ask God for forgiveness and cleansing at the beginning and end of the day, and God loved him remarkably.
When you ask God for forgiveness, you simply act in humility. Remember the parable of two people (the Tax collector and the Pharisee) that came before God in prayer? Who left more fulfilled? Who left the altar of God more blessed? Whose prayer was answered?
Lay your hearts bare, denying yourself of any claim to justice and reward. Per harps you have some hidden faults that might just be lingering. Remember David and his encounter with Prophet Nathan? He was confident that he was righteousness. Instead, ask for forgiveness for errors of commission and omission. The psalmist say that blessed is the man whom God covers his sin. Ask God to forgive and forget your wrong doing and give you the grace to extend this mercy to others.
Now remember, forgiveness makes light the burden of the heart. It is a gift; received and given in return. Endeavour to forgive the wrongs of every/any one that may have failed you till this moment.
Bible Passage:
- Proverbs 24:16
- Job 1:1-5, 8
- psalm 51
- 2 Samuel 12:1-13
- Psalm 51
- Matthew 6:12; 18:21-35
- Luke 18:9-14
Reflection:
Forgiveness is the act of giving; it is itself a gift, a perfume you spray on others and receiving droplets of the fragrance on yourself. “ForGIVE is a forGIFT” – A gift that is freely given: A gift that heals both the giver and receiver.
Prayer:
Oh my God, because you are so good, I am heartily sorry that I have offended you and by the help of your grace I will not sin again, amen!