Wellspring of Joy
Matthew 18:19-20
Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
~ Jesus
• I rejoice that when I gather with any brother or sister in Jesus’ name, He is with us and our Heavenly Father will do what we agree to ask for.
Pondering Point
Forgive and pray together in Jesus’ name. It isn't just that Jesus wants us to pray (which he does). It isn't even just that Jesus wants us to pray together. In this context, Jesus wants us to agree in prayer over the retaining or losing of sinful offenses.
How often do you think sinful offenses disrupt the coming of God’s kingdom and His will getting done? Can we agree that forgiveness is paramount to kingdom work?
In the case of forgiving sins, the newly-forgiven person agrees in prayer as part of the "two or three". It's a great encouragement for us to follow up forgiveness with prayer to recognize God's presence among reconciled brothers and sisters.
Prayer
Lord God, may we learn to celebrate forgiveness given and received between brothers and sisters just as we celebrate forgiveness received from You.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.