Time After Time

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-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21–22, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Don’t focus on the numbers. The numbers are not the point. Nor are they meant as a finite limit. After a number of times, it would be natural to become cynical about the sincerity of the person asking forgiveness. Again?! But we are not responsible for the sincerity of others, only our own. That is why, after following this text with a parable on forgiveness, Jesus emphasizes that we must “forgive [our] brother from [our] heart.” (Matthew 18:35, NIV 1984). No matter how great or frequent the offense.

My Advice – “Yet He [God] was merciful; he forgave their [Israel’s] iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.” (Psalm 78:38, NIV 1984). Is there a limit to God’s forgiveness or grace? Was Christ’s sacrifice on the cross only sufficient for a set limit of offences or only for certain sins? Of course not! Just read the aforementioned parable, which includes this line: “I canceled all that debt of yours because you [asked] me to. Shouldn’t you have…mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:32–33, NIV 1984).

Forgiveness in this world is a commodity that is in short supply. It should not be so with us.

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing