Seventy Times Seven

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?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”

God’s forgiveness is unconditional and unlimited. Ours should be too.

One of the biggest traps the enemy uses to ensnare Believers is “offense”; that is, being offended and holding un-forgiveness. One of the most important books John Bevere has written to date is The Bait of Satan. I heartily recommend this book to you.

This is so important, I suggest you re-read the material covered in three earlier devotionals – January 29-31. Go ahead, I will wait right here. 🙂

The finished work of Jesus, through the Cross and Resurrection, enables God the Father to justifiably extend to us, by His grace, unlimited and unconditional forgiveness and mercy. He doesn’t stop at seven times, or even 490 times, as long as we truly repent (see January 9), “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” See 1 John 1:9.

Even if the person does not come to you, admit their fault, and ask for your forgiveness (and they most often don’t), you still must choose to forgive them. Holding un-forgiveness against anybody for anything is sinful, and thereby hinders your prayers, and hampers your relationship with God. See Mark 11:25. You don’t necessarily have to continue a close relationship with someone who continues to hurt you, but you must continue to forgive.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of people who have hurt you. Forgive them, and ask the Father to forgive you for holding un-forgiveness towards them.

Dive Deeper: Study Matthew 18; Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:14-15.