Magic Eyes Devotional Guide
Monday: Read Matthew 18:15-18. In this passage Jesus gives some very practical advice on how to handle conflict with others. Notice how Jesus directs us to go directly to the person who has “sinned against us” and work it out. Imagine how much heartache and pain would be prevented if everyone chose this step first. Too often we are tempted to talk to others to ease our anxiety but this simply compounds our grievance.
Tuesday: Read Matthew 18:21-22. When Jesus told Peter to forgive seventyseven times he was using hyperbole for effect. In other words, Jesus was commanding Peter and all of us to keep on forgiving. We should not keep track of how many times we forgive. One of the reasons this is important is because we have a tendency to be terrible at math when it comes to forgiveness. We underestimate our own sins and overestimate the sins of others.
Wednesday: Matthew 18:23-35. This convicting parable reminds us that biblical forgiveness always starts with a look in the mirror. It does not start with stewing about the wrong that was done to us; it starts by being thoughtful about the bad things we have done to others. When we start by looking in the mirror we are reminded how much we have been forgiven. This makes it much easier to forgive others.
Thursday: Read Luke 17:3-4. We are called as Christians to forgive but forgiveness does not mean rolling over and being a punching bag for others. Jesus commands us to forgive but he also commands us to confront and rebuke those who have wronged us. We must set proper boundaries.
Friday: Read Romans 12:17-21. This passage reminds us that if we follow Jesus revenge is not an option. In fact, we are to overcome evil with good. But there is a liberating idea in verse 19. We are to hand over our pain and anger to God. He promises to settle our grievance in his own time and in his own way. It is not our job to carry it. We are to forgive and give our grievance to God.