A Thrill of Hope - Week 1: Day 1

...Increase our Faith... - Luke 17:5

If you were to honestly evaluate your faith, what would you conclude? Many believers find no problem evaluating the faith of others, but when it comes to theirs, they never take a close look in the mirror.

It is one thing to say, “I believe in Jesus Christ as the risen Son of God,” but it is a completely different thing to live it. Have you ever looked at the life of the apostles? In Luke 17:1-10 Jesus teaches the apostles about forgiveness. In doing so we see that we are to forgive individuals regardless of the number of times they commit an offense toward us. In fact, we are to forgive the same sinner for the same sin over and over and over again without doubt. To forgive 7x70 (Matt 18:32) came right from the lips of our Savior but other places in scripture are commanded to forgive even as Christ forgave us (Col 3:13; Ephesians 4:32).

Yet, even though we know that Scripture commands us to forgive, we still tend to lean on excuses to justify our choice to hold on to an offense, failing to forgive those who mistreat or offend us in some way. But again, Jesus teaches and Scripture commands us to forgive regardless of the size of the offense or the number of times the offense has been committed. Biblically speaking, there is no place for our failure in forgiveness.

That is because every ounce of the reality to have a relationship with Christ is based on His willingness to forgive. Time and time again we commit an offense toward Him, either unintentionally or sometimes open mindedly and in spite of our poor, rebellious decision to sin, Jesus forgives us. Over and Over and over again. You might think that that kind of forgiveness is not humanly possible. I would agree. But Jesus in me makes it possible, and Jesus in you makes it possible for you.

The disciples were wrestling with the same thing. How many times must they forgive, and Jesus basically tells them as many times as the offender repents. As many times as they ask. Of course, what He means is just keep forgiving them, and when you get good at it you will not wait until they ask. And so…in this light they asked, “increase our faith.”  Jesus, always one step ahead responds by revealing a simple truth. You see, it’s not how large of a faith you have that really matters, it is how you use it. That same truth holds true for us today. Jesus can do anything He so desires, and you can do anything (like forgive) in His will that you so choose if you exercise a little faith. Just be willing. How is your faith and do you really believe? Do you really believe that you were lost and now you’re found, that you had no hope and now you have a hope that overcomes death? All because of forgiveness motivated from love!
I want to challenge you today. Right down as many names as you can of individuals that have offended you. Whether they know it or not. After you make your list, write a sentence prayer for each of them…concluding that prayer with a sentence stating your forgiveness. Enter this Christmas season freed from the bondage and difficulty that this has caused for you. Father… Increase our faith!