Matthew chapter 18

Why do people want to know who is the best? There is one best - God. Comparing yourself with others can lead to depression, lack of success, low morale and a life of unhappiness. There is no need to compare ourselves to anyone but Jesus. He is our example. We all are striving to be more like Him. Keep Jesus in the forefront of your vision.

Jesus pointed out a child and spoke of faith. Jesus' answer dealt with faith. He did not say our prayer time, our giving, our community service, He said our faith. If you come to God in full faith and assurance the way a child comes - completely dependent on God, then you can begin to measure greatness. Jesus continued that it is vitally important not to bring harm, offense, confusion or false leading to a child - one of innocent faith. When we know the truth, let us lead others to that truth. When we are not sure, let us keep quiet until we know. Jesus said somebody is going to offend, but it does not have to be you.

Father is seeking the lost. You remember that Jesus said He came to seek and save that which was lost. We were lost to God. Jesus comes to find us and bring us back to God. He gives us the commission to do the same. Heaven rejoices when a person is brought back to God. Let us keep Heaven in a constant uproar of praise and jubilation because of our continual work of bringing people to Him.

Jesus said tell it for the purpose of reconciliation. These instructions have gotten twisted to tell it. When someone offends you tell that person only. Work it out with them. You make the decision to forgive them whether or not they are reconciled to you. If it can't be worked out between the two of you get two more people involved with the two of you. You don't get others involved and leave out the person you need to be reconciled with. If reconciliation is not accomplished, then give the church the opportunity to help with the reconciliation. If that does not work then stay away from the person. You continue to love them. You walk in forgiveness at all times. That is the instruction. Let us not try to hurt the person who hurt us. That is not walking in love. Leave them out of your mouth. Let us spread good tidings not bad. We are children of God. We walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus said if two would agree He would be in the midst of them to bring to pass what they agree upon. When you agree you must say the same thing, think the same thing and expect the same thing. Let us agree to love. Keep on forgiving. Forgiveness is for you not the other person. You living a life of forgiveness will bring a healthier happier you.

Jesus wanted to make sure we understood forgive, He gave another example. There was a person who could not pay their bill and begged the King for time to pay it. The King forgave the debt of the man. Then the same man turned around and threw another man in jail that owed him a significantly less amount of money than what he was forgiven of by the King. When the King found out about this, the King was not pleased. The King asked the man, why didn't you have mercy on this man the way I had mercy on you. You should have been willing to do the same for someone else that was done for you. Then the King gave the man over to the tormentors. Now this man will be tormented while he is trying to pay the debt in full. Jesus said the same will happen to those who refuse to forgive. The Father will allow the tormentors to harass you as you attempt to pay your own debt.

Listen, forgiveness if vital to your new life in Christ. Your prayers are hindered when you don't forgive.