Adult Mid-Week Devotion
The Reason for Forgiveness

Isaiah 43:1-7, 21-25           

     Unforgiveness hinders our spiritual growth.  Why?  As Holy Spirit works in us and through us, He desires to extend God’s forgiveness through us as He did to us.  Did you read that closely?  God certainly extended God’s forgiveness to us through the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross.  And aren’t we thankful for His once-for-all perfect sacrifice.  But not only does extend His forgiveness to us, but He desires to extend His forgiveness through us to others.

     The same power that allowed Jesus to declare from the cross – “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” is the same power that now resides in us as Christians.  Holy Spirit has all the power need to live out the Christian life through us – including forgiveness.

     But it is still difficult for us because of our struggle with the flesh.  You recall that Paul spoke about this struggle in his letter to the Romans.  Consider reading about that struggle in Romans 7:14-8:15. It is worth the read.

     What is the reason for forgiveness?  We addressed that question today in our weekly Bible Fellowship groups.  We learned that God loves us and wants to restore us for His glory.

     God does not desire for us to live in the land of unforgiveness because it is a land of bondage.  It stunts our spiritual growth.  It leads us to focus on ourselves and the flesh instead of on God and the Spirit.  It is a choice that we must make.  The good news is that through the power of Holy Spirit who lives in us, we can choose to die to the flesh and live in the Spirit.

     Galatians 2:20 summarizes this perfectly…

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith, in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

     Forgiveness is not easy, but it is Godly.  Extending forgiveness because of the forgiveness we have received from God releases the bondage of unforgiveness. 

 

Some questions to consider this week:

1. Why is forgiveness so difficult?
2. What was something that stood out to you about Naomi and Ruth from the sermon today?
3. Is there anyone you need to ask forgiveness from? What is hindering you from doing so?
4. Is there anyone you need to forgive? What is hindering you from doing so?
5. How does forgiveness bring freedom?

Preschool & Kids Family Mid-Week Devotion
Ruth & Boaz

Ruth 1-4

         The story of Ruth and Boaz is a beautiful redemption story – redemption means set free by payment. Ruth was redeemed and brought into Boaz’s family. That is what Jesus does with us – He set us free by paying the sin debt we owe, and He brings us into His forever family. God has a plan for our earthly families just like He did for Ruth and Boaz, but He also has a plan for His forever family. His forever family are people who know Him as Savior. The Bible says that He adopts us like we are His own family, “ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Ephesians 1:4-5

           God speaks about our earthly families and our forever family with Him! Our life point this week is: We can love and help our family members. How can you show love to your family this week? Name some things that your family does each week. This could be eating dinner together, walking the dog, cleaning the house, going to church etc. How can you show love to your family while doing the things you just named? For example, after dinner help your parents to clean up and put the dishes in the dishwasher. God gave us our families, and he wants us to love and help our family members.

Family Discussion Questions:

• What does it mean to be redeemed?
• How was Ruth redeemed?
• How does it make you feel that God wants you to be in His family?
• How can we show love to one another in our family this week?