RBT: Amos 1-4
TEXT: Ephesians 4:17-32
HYMN: BH 348: Let Others See Jesus in You
Golden Text: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
A part of the “Church Covenant” of the Nigerian Baptist Convention reads: “To be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.” The emphasis is to remind the Christian that forgiving one another is necessary and is the only way to ensure a peaceful society. This is the focus of today’s Scrpiture.
The virtues mentioned in today’s Scripture are needed to ensure peaceful coexistence in a Christian fellowship and in relationship with one another. Some of them include: the need to avoid bitterness, anger, slander and malice. One other virtue mentioned is forgiveness. Forgiveness is necessary between husband and wife, siblings, parents and children, brethren in the same fellowship, and people in the bigger community.
How beautiful would our society be if towns and villages that have been in conflict with each other for many years can forgive? Forgiveness will definitely reduce many court cases related to divorce; splitting the church as a result of quarrels will become a thing of the past if we practise forgiveness. Some people will not take their own lives or lives of others due to their unwillingness to forgive. As a believer in Christ, forgive other people, just as in Christ, God forgave and still forgives you. Perceive: To err is human, to forgive is divine.
PONDER: Are you being hunted by unforgiveness?
PRACTISE: Allow Christ to possess you and discard unforgiving spirit and acts in your life today.
PRAYER: Lord, purify my heart from every act of unforgiveness.
Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Afolabi Joshua, Erin-Ile; Ibor Daniel, Lagos; Abednego Yohanna M., Karara; Daniel Chibeze, Warri; Ojo Olumide, Lagos; Adeniji F. Olusoji, Gombe; Adeyemo A. Samuel, Kano; Kayode William, Cote D’Ivoire.
Prayer: - Lord, shatter all doors that is not opening before us.
