Spiritual Shift 8: From Taking Offense to Offering Forgiveness

Description: Jesus not only taught us to forgive our brother ‘seventy times seven,’ but he modelled forgiveness on the cross. He recognized that they did ‘not know what they were doing’ and prayed to his Father for their forgiveness. Stephen followed this example in his dying breaths when he too cried out: ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ There is no place for offense in the kingdom, only forgiveness. Scriptures: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 23:32-43; Acts 7:54-60 Select one of these scriptures and meditate on it. Prayer Prompts: Is there anyone you are holding an offence against today? Gently place that offense on Jesus’ broken body, and release the person who committed it against you into your full forgiveness and freedom.