Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’”

Ever feel like there should be a statute of limitations for forgiveness? You know, when the same person keeps doing you wrong over and over and it seems like it will never change…never stop. As fallen human beings, our capacity for forgiveness, minimal to begin with, is ill-equipped to handle the seemingly constant need to forgive people. That willingness to forgive is often depleted (used up) on our loved ones and friends who from time to time hurt us or anger us. It doesn’t leave much else for acquaintances and even less for strangers. Peter was trying to find out if we were covered since we can only be expected to forgive so much…right? What Jesus told him, in essence, is that you must forgive as many times as is needed! Try and imagine if Jesus only agreed to forgive us so many times then, after those were used up, he would simply not forgive us anymore. What terrible trouble we would find ourselves in! Having to live a whole life but limited to just a handful of “get out of jail free” cards! If we want to continue being a forgiven people, we must become forgiving people.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, thank you that your willingness to forgive me has no bounds. I know I can’t have it both ways, having you always forgiving me, and me choosing if and when I will forgive others. As many times as forgiveness is needed, I will forgive. Help me, in those times when my strength of will is low, to draw from your example and extend love and forgiveness to any and all who ask it of me - in your amazing name Lord I pray - Amen.”