Walk in Love and Forgiveness
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 18:33-35 (NKJV) Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
When we are contentious and harbour hatred towards someone, we are not thriving in our souls. We may not be sleeping well because the incident or the words spoken against us keep replaying in our minds, or we may be thinking of ways to win over or provoke the opposing party. We may even be considering pursuing a lawsuit over a matter that could have been easily resolved if we had forgiven the person and not let it fester in our hearts. It is a choice that God has given us.
Don’t let these practices plague you like “snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes.” (Joshua 23:13). We need to deal with them!
John 13:34- 35 (NKJV) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We are reminded of God’s mercy, compassion, and grace. He did not give us what we deserved but chose to forgive our debts, which we can never fully repay. He desires us to extend the same forgiveness to those with whom we live, work, and worship. There are many opportunities for us to take offence at someone’s remarks or actions—whether in church, at work, or at home. In fact, the people we are hardest on can often be our loved ones and fellow Christians because we hold certain expectations of them. In the workplace, when we occupy a position of importance, we tend to demand respect, privileges, and rights from our subordinates. If we do not receive the response we expect, some might even pick on them or make their lives difficult. We have received God’s grace and forgiveness for our sins. God has forgiven us in a way we could never achieve on our own. He is gracious, kind, and compassionate towards us. Therefore, we should also be compassionate, gracious, and kind to the people God has placed in our lives.
We can love because God first loved us. We walk in love when we walk in the Spirit, because God is love. We will choose to love God and people. Even though we may not be best friends with those who have hurt or betrayed us, we will not allow bitterness or unforgiveness to simmer or remain in our hearts.
People will see Christ in us if husbands and wives, siblings, and fellow brothers and sisters walk in love towards one another. We are being the salt and the light in the world when we extend grace, mercy, and kindness to people in this world that is full of hatred and divisions.
Sermon Series: Resolution for 2026
