February 22

Matthew 18:15-35 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

vv. 21-22
21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

Observation

In this passage, we find Jesus instructing the disciples about forgiveness. He provides guidelines for dealing with those who sin against us and provides us with practical steps for resolving any conflicts that arise as a consequence in the church. Peter then seems to ask a very legalistic question (but most likely one that I would also be asking, if not out loud, then at least within my heart) with regards to how many times we must forgive. Like most of us, Peter would like to place a limit on the number of times we must grant forgiveness before holding onto our “righteous anger” when that number is reached. However, Jesus’ response is that we should always forgive (the number 77 symbolizing “infinite” or countless number and not literally to forgive only 77 times or 70 times 7). Jesus then follows with a parable that help us understand why there should be no limits placed on forgiveness. The parable reveals that our debts to God are too great, far beyond our ability to repay. Yet, He had great compassion upon us and forgave us our debts which are so much larger in comparison to any debt that might be owed to us by anyone. Given such compassion that has been bestowed upon us, we are to extend a smaller act of grace and compassion upon those who have hurt or sinned against us, especially since their debt against us is so miniscule in comparison to the debt that we owe to God.

Application

Forgiveness is not easy. Dealing with those who hurt or sin against me is not easy. I am much more inclined to avoid conflicts or confrontations and pretend that things are okay. But this only leads to bitterness or resentment in my heart. By taking the steps to reach out and forgive, I am able to grow in my relationship with God and with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is especially difficult for me to ask for forgiveness if I am the one who has offended another. For me, genuinely saying “I am sorry” is very difficult. I do not like being wrong and it can be hard to hear from others that I have sinned against them. But God’s grace and His gentle, but insistent rebukes lead me to seek peace and forgiveness.
But, it is still a battle, as there are many times when I would rather wallow in my “self-righteousness” or ignore the pain I have caused another. But I do know that I do not want to be like the unmerciful servant who is not able to extend compassion nor recognize the sinfulness of my actions.

Prayer

Lord, change my heart – give me your heart of love and compassion so that I am able to extend forgiveness to those who hurt me. Help me to treat others the way You have taught me. And when I do offend another, help me to humble myself so that I am able to repent and to seek forgiveness.

--SC