Matthew 18:15-17 - Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

This devotion focuses on the topic of forgiveness. The Bible reading from Matthew 18 discusses how we should handle conflict within the church community. It emphasizes going directly to a brother who sins against you, and if they refuse to listen, bringing others along as witnesses. Ultimately if the offending brother refuses to listen even to the church, they are to be treated as an unbeliever. This shows the importance of working through conflict and granting forgiveness. The documents provide further commentary on these Bible passages, explaining how we are called to freely forgive others just as we have been forgiven by God. Though forgiveness does not necessarily mean avoiding consequences, we are to forgive from the heart. The devotion summary and reflection tie these themes together, stressing the power of forgiveness to heal relationships just as God's forgiveness heals our relationship with Him.

Forgiveness is so powerful, yet often difficult. When someone hurts us, our natural reaction is to hold onto the pain and seek revenge. But harboring unforgiveness only leads to bitterness. Just as Jesus has freely forgiven us, He calls us to freely forgive others. This allows relationships to be restored just as our relationship with God is restored when we accept His forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we remain trapped in the past. But when we forgive others, we experience freedom and the relationship has a chance to be rebuilt. This is true in our friendships, families, workplaces, and churches. We all mess up and need grace. May we extend that same grace to others. As we do, we reflect God's heart and become more like Christ.

Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace and forgiveness toward me. I do not deserve it, yet You have washed away my sins and welcomed me as Your child. Help me to extend forgiveness freely to others just as You have forgiven me. Heal the broken relationships in my life and allow Your love to flow through me. Soften my heart toward those who have hurt me. Give me the courage to forgive from the heart, just as You have. Amen.