January 17, 2012 (Genesis 42-43; Psalm 5; Luke 17)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” Luke 17:3 NLT
Observation: Jesus is giving some instruction on the topic of forgiveness. If another believer sins you are to rebuke them. To rebuke a fellow believer does not mean to point out every sin we see; but rather to bring to the believers attention the sin we see for the purpose of restoration. Our motive in rebuking should always be restoration, not self-centered satisfaction. Notice forgiveness is conditional. Jesus said, “then if there is repentance, forgive”. The condition that must be met to offer forgiveness, or receive forgiveness, is repentance. And if they repent, then as a believer you are obligated to forgive them, 70 times 7.
Application: It’s very difficult to forgive someone who has never admitted they did anything wrong. Simply saying, “if I’ve done anything against you, forgive me” is not repentance. The fact that the word “if” is used actually shows they do not recognize any wrong doing. When our motive in rebuking is restoration, we love a fellow believer enough to hold them to the standard of holiness God demands. Our desire is to see them restored to God whatever the cost, rather than destined for eternal hell in complete comfort. Forgiveness without repentance is not forgiveness, it’s merely a superficial deception that only fools the offender.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for revealing my sin to me so that I can repent for the things I do wrong. Keep my eyes open, keep my spirit humble. Show me the error of my ways so I can repent and walk uprightly with You. My desire is to live a life You are well pleased with. Guide me by Your word and may Your Spirit lead me on the pathway of righteousness. Open up the eyes of those who have sinned against me, save them from certain destruction and restore them to Yourself, in Jesus name, Amen!