Day 1: Gospel-centeredness
Monday
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
~Ephesians 4:32
Read the story Jesus tells in Matthew 18:21-35.
We all sin more than we realize. Even when our actions are right, sin often shows up in our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, and motivations. If sin were a debt, none of us would be able to pay even the interest on it. That’s bad news. But here’s the Good News: Jesus paid our entire debt of sin for us. He forgives us by free grace. And forgiven people, in turn, forgive.
- Why did the master in Jesus’ story forgive his servant’s debt?
- What was wrong with the way the servant responded to his master’s forgiveness? What did this reveal about his heart?
- Are you withholding forgiveness from anyone for any reason? What does the Gospel say about that?
Lord Jesus, thank you for going to the Cross and taking the debt of my sin upon yourself. Thank you that your forgiveness is full and free. I choose to receive your gift by faith; and today I will walk in the freedom of your forgiveness – without guilt, condemnation, or shame. By your power at work in me, I will choose to forgive others as you have first forgiven me. For Christ’s sake, Amen.