Never-ending Forgiveness
Today’s Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
Focal Verse: Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
One of the saddest things to see is strife and divisiveness in the church. One member hurts another member. Neither one is willing to forgive and it becomes an ugly feud that usually draws others into it. It is like a cancer spreading…and it is ungodly.
Jesus told us we are to forgive seventy times seven, or basically unlimited, times. Before you roll your eyes at how difficult that is, let’s look at Christ. He wronged no one. He has never wronged you, yet how many times have you had to ask forgiveness? Seventy times seven? He has forgiven you every time.
So when you are finding it hard to forgive someone, go to Jesus for help. Ask Him to remind you of all the times He has given you grace. Ask Him to help you extend that grace to the one you need to forgive, and experience the peace of a forgiving, forgiven heart.
Forgiveness is a command, not a suggestion. Spend some time praying. Thank Jesus for the times He has forgiven you. If there is someone you haven’t forgiven, ask His forgiveness and His help.
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