Daily Devotional

Theme: The Fruit of Forgiveness

Read Isaiah 55:6-13 and Matthew 6:14-21

“…For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

( Matthew 6:14-15)

In context with our theme, the term fruit is often used in the New Testament to indicate the results of obedience or disobedient life; the yield may be “good fruit” (Matt 3:8; 7:17-19; 12:33) or “bad fruit” (Matt 3:10; 7:17; Luke 6:43). But also, the Bible talks about a fruitless tree or life (Matthew 7:19; Ephesians 5:11). Jesus said, you will know them by their fruit, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:16-20). For us to appreciate the fruits of forgiveness, I believe we need to understand the term fruit.

Forgiveness is a non-negotiable Christian virtue; it’s a command. Obedience to it yields results, and the first fruit of obedience is;

🌹(1) Forgiveness itself. If we forgive, we will be forgiven by our Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:14; Ephesians 4:32, Col 3:13).

🌹(2) Freedom when we forgive, we free ourselves from the emotional and spiritual weight of holding onto hurt. We allow God to work in us and through us. We choose to live in peace rather than conflict, experiencing freedom and joy that are beyond understanding.

🌹(3) Fellowship—it fosters healthy relationships between God and man and among fellow men and women. Unforgiveness is disobedience.

🌹(4) Flourish—(Isaiah 55:12-13; 2 Chron 7:14) forgiveness unlocks divine potential and the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, and righteousness.

As you pray: Ask God to give you whatever it takes to forgive even the seemingly unforgivable. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Rev Godfrey Kyome