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Forgiving Decisions

Today's Daily Devotion - April 19, 2022

By Khai Samante

Forgiving Decisions

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?” —Matthew 18:21

Read Matthew 18:15-21

In light of what Jesus stated about unity, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his neighbor, who had sinned against him. He was attempting to sound overly kind by asking Jesus if forgiving “up to seven times” would suffice as many Jewish rabbis at the time taught that three times was the maximum amount.

Peter’s question shows something about human nature with forgiveness and vengeance. Peter’s query is something along the lines of, “How many times should I forgive, then fight back?” It also sounds like, “How many times should I offend against my neighbor and take his mercy for granted?” ”

Jesus’ response was unexpected. “Up to seventy-seven times,” he added. The concept behind seventy-seven times is unlimited. This means we can forgive the repentant as many times as we want. It’s a lot simpler to preach about forgiveness than it is to practice it. However, with God, anything is possible. Our love for God will motivate us to love our neighbors and make more forgiving decisions. Knowing that God already forgave us because of what Jesus did on the cross frees us from a self-centered perspective on forgiveness. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:36).

Lord, help me choose to forgive.

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