Sunday Re-cap (23rd April 2006)

Developing Humility
By Ps Samuel Hari

Text: Matt 5:38-42; 43-48

Jesus often spoke about forgiveness (Matt 6:12, 14-15) especially in The Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:9-13) and even in scriptures pertaining to FAITH (Mark 11:25-26). Why was forgiveness such an important part of Jesus teaching? What was the attribute that He was building in us through His teachings of forgiveness? One key attribute was HUMILITY. It requires HUMILITY to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. The first man fell because of PRIDE. The new Adam, Jesus, was exemplified by HUMILITY. How do we grow in HUMILITY?

1. Matt 5:38-42: Renounce any form of RETALIATION. Leave ALL vengeance to GOD. This includes renouncing every intention of retaliation in the present and in the future. This includes walking in the opposite. Jesus speaks about giving the other cheek, the other cloak, walking another mile, etc.


2. Matt 5:43-48: Love by choice, not by circumstances. Let mistreatment by others remind you to overcome their evil through love. Look at every mistreatment as an opportunity to grow from the Holy Spirit. Use it as a reminder from GOD.


3. Matt 18:21-35 The parable of the unforgiving servant. FORGIVE DAILY those who have sinned against you. Allow God’s forgiving nature to guide us in forgiving others. We become like the FATHER as we forgive as that is His nature (Matt 5:48). If we want to become like the Father, FORGIVE.

The Word of God says, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (Js 4:6). He also says in 2 Chr 7:14,

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Let’s grow in HUMILITY!