S. 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.
O. When Jesus was asked about how many times we should forgive others, Jesus uses a figure of speech (hyperbole) that exagerates the thought. Peter thought perhaps up to seven times. Jesus’ answers up to seventy-seven times. IE You just keep forgiving. There is no “qualification period” a person must go through to receive forgiveness. Paul says we are to forgive others as God in Christ Jesus has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32)
A. Because we are to forgive and there is no limit on forgiveness, I am deciding to forgive people even before I need to - in advance. I know there will be times I offend others and times when others offend me. I am forgiving them in advance - no qualification period needed - because God has forgiven me without qualification.
P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for the forgiveness I receive from you. I am forgiving others in advance so that relationships continue and are not severed, and so we can direct people’s attention to you. I pray this in Jesus’ name!
