God's Word For Today
Daily Devotional
The Blessing of Forgiveness
Read Luke 11:1–54

Mary and Ruth sang in their church choir. However, their relationship was anything but harmonious. Mary resented Ruth for telling lies about her in the past. This resentment grew to anger and eventually hatred.



One Sunday the pastor preached on loving our enemies. He said the best way to deal with enemies is to pray for them and forgive.



“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive those who sins against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation” (Luke 11:4).



That evening as she tried to pray, Mary’s thoughts were conflicting. Finally, Mary asked God’s forgiveness and prayed for Ruth.



The next day while shopping, Mary met Ruth and asked about her health. Ruth burst into tears and shared emotions of fear and anxiety with Mary. That was the beginning of a twenty-year friendship between Mary and Ruth. Because Mary had chosen to love and pray for her enemy, she was blessed with the joy of having Ruth as a sister in Christ.



Challenge for Today: Forgive everyone who has wronged you.

Quicklook: Luke 11:1–4