How Many Times?

As believers, we will never experience joy-filled, victorious lives unless we are ready to forgive people.  This is something we are going to have to do frequently, and according to Matthew 18:21, 22, even repeatedly.  The Lord tells us plainly in the Bible that if we will not forgive other people for the wrong things they have done against us, then God will not forgive us for the wrong things we have done against him (see Matthew 6:14, 15).

What kind of condition would we be in if God refused to forgive us?  We could not possibly have a proper relationship with Him.  Everything in our lives would be stopped up.  We like to think that we can stay angry with other people and yet go to God and receive forgiveness for our sins.  But the Lord tells us in the Bible that this is not so.

Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). God is a God of mercy, and this issue of forgiveness is very important to Him.  He tells us repeatedly in His Word that if we want mercy, we have to give mercy.

In Matthew 18:21, 22, Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive his brother: " up to seven times?" Jesus' answer was not seven times, but seventy times that many.

I do not know about you, But I am glad that God does not put a limit on how many times He will forgive us.  How many of us have done the same wrong thing at least seventy times seven, and God has still forgiven us for it?  We are willing to keep taking and taking forgiveness from God, but it is amazing how little we want to extend forgiveness to others.  We freely accept mercy, yet it is surprising how rigid, legalistic, and merciless we can be toward others, especially if they have wronged us in some way.  Yet the Bible says that the debt we owe God is much greater than any debt anyone may owe us.  Always remember how great God's generosity is, especially in the area of forgiveness.  Aim to forgive others as quickly, as often, and as generously as God forgives you.  

Sometimes forgiving someone can be very difficult, especially if that person has repeatedly hurt or offended us.  Is there someone in your life you are having a hard time forgiving?  Remember the gracious gift of God's forgiveness to you.  As you have received forgiveness you are called to extend forgiveness to others (see Matthew 18:21-35).  Ask God to help you forgive as you have been forgiven. 

~Joyce Meyers (The Everyday Life Bible)