forGIVING by faith

• Luke 17:5 (NLT)

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Luke 17:5 NLT

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

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Jesus had just finished dropping some powerful nuggets of wisdom. He was telling them, us, to forgive no matter the number of times a wrong is done.

I can relate to the disciples reply. I often feel incapable of walking in Gods ways...especially in forgiveness. Giving anything away can be risky, but giving forgiveness away can seem most risky. Forgiveness is a gift to be given and it requires faith.

I often feel, if i forgive them, how will they learn or realize what they did was wrong...or at least I need to tell them all about it first. After all, thats my job right? Well at the minimum its my right, right?

Apparently not.

Jesus was pretty clear - i must forgive. Its not an issue of right or wrong, its an issue of my faith. Do i believe that when I forgive I am releasing them? Do i believe that when I forgive i am setting us free? Do i believe that forgiveness isnt a matter of right/wrong but of love? Do i believe that love and forgiveness are better teachers than grudges and consequences?

Forgiveness is a gift. Its not earned but graciously given away. It is always more blessed to give than to receive.

Father, increase my faith. AMEN.

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