Matthew 18:21-27

“Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.’” vss. 21-22

People who live by faith have come to believe that their relationship to God is totally dependent on God’s unconditional love and never-ending mercy. Even though we live in a broken world, by God’s grace we are continually being forgiven and restored. With that as a foundation we are freed to experience all the joy and delight that this good world has to offer.

It’s no surprise then, that when Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone who had sinned against him, Jesus gave an extravagant answer. We are to relate to others in exactly the same way as God has related to us. Forgiveness is not only at the center of our God connection, it’s also the tie that binds us together in love with our brothers and sisters. We can understand why Peter asks his question–he hadn’t yet come to know the whole story of God’s love. What’s really amazing is that we keep on asking the same old question! We should know this!

Of course knowing something doesn’t make it any easier to do. Forgiveness is difficult, especially when the hurt is fresh and deep. But ultimately, if we want to feel forgiven ourselves, we will have to get off our high horse and imitate our merciful God!

Thought for the Day: What’s the longest I’ve held on to a grudge?