Luke 17:1-4 (TPT) Teachings about Forgiveness and Faith
One day Jesus taught his disciples this: “Betrayals are inevitable, but great devastation will come to the one guilty of betraying others. 2 It would be better for him to have a heavy boulder tied around his neck and be hurled into the deepest sea than to face the punishment of betraying one of my dear ones! So be alert to your brother’s condition, 3 and if you see him going the wrong direction, cry out and correct him. If there is true repentance on his part, forgive him. 4 No matter how many times in one day your brother sins against you and says, ‘I’m sorry; I am changing; forgive me,’ you need to forgive him each and every time.”
When someone hurts you, please do not pretend it never happened. We are called to be truthful. Otherwise, we will walk around and keep an internal record of the wrong we have endured. If left to grow, it will produce bitterness. Share your feelings with the person who betrayed you, but refrain from telling other people, because that is not an act of love. Then, when the person apologizes it is your duty to forgive and restore them.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be honest when I’m hurt and faithful to forgive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.