Hey Clawson Family!

Song:

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Devotional:

Ernest Hemingway wrote a story about a father and rebellious son in his book Capital of the world. The son had done wrong and in his shame he ran away from home. In the story the father searched all over Spain for Paco, but he couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, in Madrid, in a last desperate attempt to find his son, the father placed an ad in the daily newspaper. The advert read: “PACO, MEET AT HOTEL MONTANA NOON TUESDAY. ALL IS FORGIVEN. PAPA.” 

The father prayed that the boy would see the ad and maybe – just maybe – he would come to the Hotel Montana. And so on Tuesday at noon the father arrived at Hotel Montana and he couldn’t believe his eyes. The police had been called to control the crowd of eight hundred young men all named “Paco” who had come to the hotel to meet their father. Eight hundred Pacos read the ad in the newspaper and hoped the message was for them. Eight hundred “Pacos” came to receive the forgiveness they so desperately needed.

Eight hundred Pacos wanted freedom from their debts. 

Fortunately, God has not given up on us.  Persistently and tirelessly, He searches for us.  He never gives up on us.  He longs day and night for us to come home.  And if and when we do, He is overjoyed.  He loves us.  He forgives us.  He restores us. Jesus calls his people to be like this father, and help release people from their debt to you, so that you and they can be free.

Journal:

In your journal write down some ways God’s forgiveness has affected your life.

Training:

Father, thank You for the forgiveness You’ve offered each of us. Help us never to forget the love You’ve shown us. Give us the faith we need to extend that same love to others through forgiveness. 

In Jesus’ name, amen.

If God is calling you to forgive someone, take that step. If you’re not ready to forgive someone yet, ask God to give you the faith you need to take that step.