MEMORISE: So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:35
BIBLE READING: Matthew 18:23-35
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
MESSAGE:
Many people are like the servant in today’s Bible reading. He received forgiveness from his master but refused to forgive his own offender.
Some people usually give the excuse that it is not easy to forgive. However, every time they offend God, He forgives them.
I want you to know that forgiveness is not a choice; it is a command. Today’s memory verse says that God will not forgive you if you do not forgive others.
Believe me, people have wronged me and treated me unjustly in the past, but I asked the Holy Spirit to help me forgive them and take my mind off the issue.
The truth is that no matter how offended you are, you must forgive your offenders because God has commanded it.
My dear child, some hurts take time to heal, and some offences might seem unforgivable; however, the Holy Spirit will comfort you when you are hurting.
I am grateful to God today because He has helped me to forgive a lot of my offenders.
OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 31 JULY 2025 KEY POINT:
You must forgive those who hurt you.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Chronicles 29:1-36 Romans 14:1-23