Preparing Our Hearts for Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: Restitution and Preparation for Forgiveness

True repentance involves making restitution and preparing our hearts to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. When we recognize our guilt, God calls us not only to confess but also to make things right with others, as seen in the instructions given to Israel. This preparation is not just about grand gestures but about addressing even the small, everyday ways we may have hurt others. As we prepare to seek forgiveness, we are invited to examine our hearts, acknowledge our faults, and take practical steps toward reconciliation, trusting that God provides a way for restoration. [34:53]

Leviticus 6:1-7 (ESV)
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt. And he shall bring to the priest, as his compensation to the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.”

Reflection: Who is one person you have wronged—whether in a small or significant way—whom you need to prepare your heart to seek forgiveness from this week?

Day 2: Christ as Our Atonement and Foundation

Jesus is the ultimate atoning sacrifice, providing the foundation for us to both receive and extend forgiveness, even in the most difficult circumstances. The sacrificial system in Leviticus pointed forward to Christ, who became our scapegoat and mediator, making it possible for us to be forgiven and to forgive others. With Christ as our foundation, we are empowered to admit our faults, accept correction, and pursue reconciliation, knowing that God desires to be with us and has provided the way through Jesus. [41:01]

Romans 5:8-11 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it hardest to accept Christ’s forgiveness as your foundation, and how might embracing His atonement change your willingness to forgive others?

Day 3: The Challenge and Necessity of Honest Self-Examination

The Christian life calls us to face the reality of our own harmful words and actions, not to wallow in guilt, but to honestly acknowledge where we have caused pain and to become willing to make amends. This process is not reserved for those with dramatic stories but is a daily practice for all believers, requiring courage to look at ourselves truthfully and to take responsibility for the ways we have hurt others. In doing so, we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace and prepare to restore relationships. [53:25]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Reflection: What is one specific harmful word or action from this past week that you need to honestly acknowledge before God and consider making amends for?

Day 4: The Call to Prepare, Not Rush, Toward Reconciliation

Before seeking forgiveness or making amends, God invites us to pause, pray, and prepare our hearts, ensuring that our desire for reconciliation is genuine and Spirit-led. Preparation involves spiritual readiness—praying, meditating, and reflecting on our motives—so that when the time comes to approach others, we do so with humility and sincerity. This step is essential for true healing and prevents us from acting out of mere obligation or haste. [46:30]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to pray and prepare your heart before taking any steps toward reconciliation with someone you have wronged?

Day 5: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice and Our Identity as Forgiven People

As we come to the table of communion, we remember that we are not defined by our mistakes but by God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus, who restores us and calls us to live as forgiven, forgiving people. Communion is a time to reflect on the ways we have fallen short, but even more, to celebrate the grace that covers us and empowers us to make amends and live in restored relationship with God and others. We are invited to respond to God’s love by extending that same grace to those around us. [56:45]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Reflection: As you remember Christ’s sacrifice for you, what is one way you can let go of shame and step into your identity as a forgiven child of God today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the theme of preparation—specifically, preparing our hearts to seek forgiveness and make amends. Drawing from Leviticus 6:1-7, we explored how God instructed the Israelites to address everyday wrongs, not just major transgressions. The passage describes a process of restitution and atonement, requiring not only the return of what was taken but also an added measure of restoration. This ancient practice points forward to Christ, the ultimate atoning sacrifice, who makes forgiveness possible for us all.

The focus was not on the act of asking for forgiveness itself, but on the vital step that comes before: readiness. Admitting fault is difficult, as it challenges our pride and self-image. Yet, the foundation of our faith is built on the recognition of our need for forgiveness—a foundation that, once laid, enables us to both receive and extend grace, even in the most challenging circumstances. Personal stories illustrated how the Holy Spirit works within us, prompting humility and honesty, even when our instinct is to defend ourselves or avoid responsibility.

Preparation for forgiveness is not a passive waiting, but an active process. It involves honest self-examination, prayer, and a willingness to confront the ways we have harmed others, whether through words, actions, or neglect. This week, the challenge is to make a list of those we have wronged and to prepare our hearts to seek reconciliation—not to rush into action, but to get spiritually and emotionally ready. This is a communal journey; we are not alone. The church, the Spirit, and the example of Christ all support us as we move toward healing and restoration.

As we come to the communion table, we are reminded that following Jesus is not about ignoring our failures, but about facing them in the light of God’s love and grace. We remember that we are not defined by our mistakes, but by the love of the One who gave Himself for us. In this, we find both the courage and the freedom to prepare for true forgiveness and reconciliation.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparation for forgiveness is a spiritual discipline that requires honest self-examination. Before we can seek forgiveness from others, we must first acknowledge our own faults and become willing to make amends. This readiness is foundational to genuine reconciliation and spiritual growth. [33:27]
2. The process of restitution in Leviticus is not just about returning what was lost, but about going above and beyond to restore what was broken. This principle challenges us to consider how we can actively repair relationships, not merely by apologizing, but by seeking to make things right in tangible ways. [34:53]
3. The atoning sacrifice of Christ is both our model and our means for forgiveness. Just as the Israelites needed a spotless lamb, we rely on Jesus as our mediator and scapegoat, who bears our guilt and offers us a path to restoration. This truth empowers us to approach others with humility and grace. [41:44]
4. The Holy Spirit works within us to overcome our resistance to admitting fault. Our natural inclination is to defend ourselves or minimize our wrongs, but the Spirit gently convicts and equips us to face the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. This inner work is essential for authentic confession and healing. [40:21]
5. Forgiveness and making amends are not isolated acts, but communal practices. We journey together as a church, supporting one another in the difficult work of reconciliation. The communion table reminds us that we are a people defined not by our failures, but by the love and grace of God, who calls us to restoration and wholeness. [54:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:56] - Goldframe Artist & Announcements
[29:14] - Chili Cookoff and Potluck Details
[30:29] - Candy Drive and Shoebox Updates
[31:06] - Prayer for the Children
[32:39] - Introduction to Step Eight
[33:27] - Preparing Our Hearts for Forgiveness
[34:08] - Reading Leviticus 6:1-7
[34:53] - The Principle of Restitution
[37:00] - The Foreshadowing of Christ
[39:04] - Personal Story: The Challenge of Admitting Fault
[41:44] - Jesus as Our Atoning Sacrifice
[45:17] - The Call to Prepare for Amends
[47:55] - Forgiveness as the Foundation of Christian Life
[54:49] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[57:59] - Responding in Worship and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Leviticus 6:1-7 (ESV) — The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt. And he shall bring to the priest, as his compensation to the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.”

Observation Questions

According to Leviticus 6:1-7, what specific actions are mentioned that require restitution and atonement?
What extra step, beyond simply returning what was taken, does God require in this passage?
In the sermon, what was emphasized as the first step before seeking forgiveness from others? [[33:27]]
What role does the atoning sacrifice play in the process of forgiveness described in Leviticus 6? [[34:53]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God required not just returning what was stolen, but also adding an extra amount (a fifth) in the process of making things right? [[34:53]]
The sermon talked about the difficulty of admitting fault because it challenges our pride. Why is this step so foundational to both receiving and giving forgiveness? [[38:27]]
How does the process of preparation for forgiveness described in the sermon differ from simply rushing to apologize? [[45:17]]
The pastor shared a story about resisting the urge to admit fault and how the Holy Spirit prompted honesty. What does this reveal about the role of the Spirit in our journey toward reconciliation? [[40:21]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to make a list of people we have wronged and to prepare our hearts for reconciliation—not to act yet, but to get ready. What is one relationship or situation that comes to mind for you? What would it look like to prepare your heart this week? [[45:17]]
Honest self-examination is described as an active process. What practical steps (like prayer, journaling, or talking with a trusted friend) could help you see where you may have caused harm, even unintentionally? [[46:30]]
The passage in Leviticus calls for going above and beyond in making things right. Can you think of a time when you only did the bare minimum to fix a wrong? What might it look like to go further in restoring a relationship? [[34:53]]
The pastor mentioned how our natural instinct is to defend ourselves or minimize our wrongs. What are some ways you notice yourself doing this? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you be more honest with yourself and others? [[40:21]]
The sermon reminded us that forgiveness and making amends are communal practices, not just individual acts. Who in your church community can support you as you prepare for reconciliation? How can you support others in this process? [[47:55]]
As you come to the communion table, you are reminded that you are not defined by your mistakes but by God’s love. How does this truth give you courage to face your failures and seek restoration? [[56:45]]
What is one specific prayer you can pray this week as you prepare your heart for forgiveness and making amends? [[46:30]]

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