John Hagee Daily Devotional 10th December 2024

What if, this Christmas, we determined to give our neighbors the same gifts God so freely gives to us? Rather than the person who lives across the street, maybe the neighbor we need to forgive is our parent, sibling or child.

Many families play the game of pretense at the holidays, sitting together but seething with resentment and unexpressed anger. We place a gift card in an envelope or wrap a present in pretty paper when what we really need to give is the gift of forgiveness.

Could we love our neighbor – or friend or family member – enough to give what Christ has generously provided for us? Jesus taught us to pray that God would forgive our trespasses as we forgive the ones who trespass against us. We plead, “Forgive me, God, for what I owe You, as I forgive others for what they owe me.”

Unforgiveness is a you-owe-me. You owe me an apology for what you said, what you did, what you did not do. And that may be absolutely true! But God presses us to give the unexpected. In fact, He tells us that if we cannot extend pardon to our offenders, He cannot forgive us for what we owe Him.

With His strength and love to empower and guide, give the unexpected gift of forgiveness this holiday season. The freedom it brings is cause for celebration.