Scriptures:
Psalm 130:4 New King James Version
But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.
Psalm 103:12 New King James Version
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
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Couples Devotion – September 27
September 27
September 27
But speaking the truth in love requires… also “emotional wealth,” a fundamental inner joy and confidence. If you are very down on yourself… then it may be far too important for you to have your spouse always pleased with you. You will not be able… to criticize your spouse or [receive criticism]. . . . You will stay resentful but will hide it…. In this case, we have love eating up truth. (Hardcover, pp. 165-66; paperback, p. 184)
THE GOSPEL AND FORGIVENESS. The experience of the gospel gives us the two prerequisites for a life of forgiveness: First, it provides emotional humility. Those who won’t forgive show they have not accepted the fact of their own sinfulness. To remain unforgiving means you remain unaware of your own need for forgiveness. Second, it provides emotional wealth. You can’t be gracious to someone if you are too needy and insecure. If you know God’s love and forgiveness, then there is a limit to how deeply another person can hurt you. He or she can’t touch your real identity, wealth, and significance. The more we rejoice in our own forgiveness, the quicker we will be to forgive others. No heart that is truly repentant toward God can be unforgiving toward others.
Reflection: Which of the two requirements for forgiveness do you lack most often?
Thought for prayer: Meditate on Psalm 130:4: “with you there
is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” God’s free grace for us should lead us to awe and wonder (“fear”) before him. Think about that until you can praise him for his forgiveness from the heart.
Reference: The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller.