Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

22 April 2025

Reading From Luke 17:1-19

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

—Luke 17:3-6

     Getting along with other people is so difficult at times.  Each of us are human beings made in the image of God, but that image has been corrupted by sin.  Therefore we are prone to relationship disrupters such as pride and selfishness.  While each of us should do our best not to, we hurt others and others hurt us.  How we handle offense and taking responsibility for offending others is vital to our spiritual growth.  It is unfortunate to come across Christians who have known the Gospel for decades but who are very immature when it comes to handling conflict.

     In this passage, Jesus directs us to communicate openly and directly with someone who has hurt us in some way.  We should not sweep the conflict under the rug.  While it is always necessary to let go of bitterness and seek greater understanding about the situation and the people involved, restoration can and should only come when the offender takes responsibility for what they have done.  If they choose not to take responsibility, then restoration of the relationship is not required or even possible.   What is possible is to pray for the offender and ask the Lord to increase our love and faith as we process the situation.

“Lord Jesus, You know from firsthand experience how difficult it is to deal with people.  Thank You for having incredible patience with me. Help me to be patient with others.  I pray that You would help me let go of bitterness, anger and resentment.  Give me the courage I need to communicate with people who have hurt me, speaking the truth in love.  I pray for my brothers and sisters in Your eternal family.  May we repent of our sins, particularly the sins we have committed against others, and may we find Your strength to forgive those who have sinned against us.  In the Name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.”

And forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

—Matthew 6:12-15

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

—Ephesians 4:31-32