Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
When Peter was talking to Jesus and asked if he should forgive his brother seven times Jesus answered and said no not 7 times but you should forgive him 77 times. Jesus was saying do not keep track of how many times someone sins against you. Always be willing to forgive when they ask for it.
Jesus has generously forgiven me and I need to be forgiving of others. I am very thankful Jesus has forgiven, redeemed and restored me. When I am truly grateful for the forgiveness I have received from Jesus I can humbly pass that forgiveness onto others.
I can only forgive because I have been forgiven. I Chronicles 16:11 tells us to seek the Lord and his presence and his strength continually. As a child of the King I want my actions to honor him.
Forgiving is not always easy to do. We can only do it when we have a high view of God and desire to honor him with our behavior.
I can think of several times today that God has been gracious and merciful to me and has forgiven me. How can I not forgive those who ask me to? When I forgive others it glorifies and honors Jesus.
How many times has God forgiven you today, this week, this month? Pray about being able to pass that forgiveness along to others. God always hears and answers our sincere prayers.
Charleen
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are so thankful and grateful that you have forgiven us, redeemed us, and restored us. Help us, Father, to have a high view of you and to want to pass the forgiveness we have received to those in our lives. We want our lives to bring you honor and glory.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen