KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

Text: Luke 17:1 – 3      Memory verse: v 3

Here Jesus teaches us that giving of offences is a great sin which we should avoid and carefully watch against. The expression ‘offences’ is a translation of a Greek term which means ‘stumbling blocks.’ The term originally referred to the trigger that springs a trap; then the word came to refer to anything that causes one to sin. Jesus emphatically warns that these stumbling blocks are sure to occur. Nonetheless, He pronounced a woe upon those that place these offences which cause people to sin. He suggests that death by drowning would be preferable rather than to offend one of these little ones. Do you place offences on people’s way by the words of your mouth; by your dressing and appearance, by your reactions, by your quest for wealth, by your pride and arrogance, and by your immoral life? Repent today before God’s anger will visit you.

Nevertheless, God expects us to forgive one another for us to maintain and sustain brotherly love among us. Why did Jesus say so? Because we can be tempted to revenge against people who puts stumbling blocks on our ways. We should understand that vengeance is of the Lord (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). Jesus stresses forgiveness which precedes rebuke and repentance. You shouldn’t expect people to forgive you when you are not willing to repent. We should note that to fall often into the same offence against our brother is a great aggravation of our offences. Therefore, beware because when it is repeated, it means it is deliberate.

Food for Thought: Forgiving multiplication of offences is demonstration of God’s like temper in us.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend me no matter the number of times they do it in Jesus name.