Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
Today Jesus is teaching me about divine forgiveness. Not the kind of forgiveness I offer when someone steps on my toe by accident. But the kind of grace-filled forgiveness God offers to me over and over when I turn away, don’t listen, or don’t follow Him. How many chances has God given to me? Many more than seventy times seven.
Holy Lord, thank you for your graceful forgiveness. I am so fortunate that you see more in me than I see in myself. Amen
Becky, transforming
April 27th, 2022
Matthew 18:21-22
Jesus gave Peter profound advice about forgiving not just seven times but doing it over again and doing it right. He saids do it seventy seven times meaning that we should never keep track of how many times we forgive someone.
When I think of a second chance, I think of doing different things, getting another crack tat getting it right. How many times have I wished for a second chance? The would have, should have, could have become overwhelming if I dwell in the past. God gives you and I second chances , third chances as many as we need to be changed and transformed. I get the opportunity to learn from my mista…
Matthew 18: 21-22 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?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times”.
C. S. Lewis reminds us with a brief yet calm confidence that forgiveness is a lovely idea until we have something to forgive. Sometimes people have difficulty forgiving those who have hurt them. This is human nature and sometimes difficult to overcome. Jesus is telling me that no matter what hurt I have sustained, forgiveness is key. Jesus died so we can have a second chance at eternal life. I should not let hard feelings interfere with forgiving those wh…
Matthew 18:21-22 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven times.”
What could be more difficult? When I forgive someone for a specific thing a few times, then I feel that they shouldn’t do that again. The thought of forgiving constantly seems like encouraging bad behavior. Jesus is telling me that forgiving isn’t about the other person, but it is about me. Forgiving frees me from guilt or responsibility for someone else’s behavior.
Dear Lord, you ask me to do what seems impossible, but I know if I follow your word then I’ll be a better and more content person. Thank you. Amen.
Matthew 18:21-22
Peter’s attempt to impress Jesus fell flat as he was reminded that we can never “out-give” God. I am hard pressed to think of forgiving something twice, let alone seven times. Yet God’s forgiveness in the face of genuine heartfelt repentance is limitless. The more like Christ I become on this journey to sanctification I am transforming from dependence on God’s forgiveness to dependence on God’s power.
Prayer - Gracious God, you have given me countless second chances. As words cannot come near to expressing my thanks, I must lean on faith to guide my actions to demonstrate gratitude through the way I live my life in good times as well as difficult times. Amen
TAA