Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Matthew 18:21-22

Last night I went to see the movie “I Can Only Imagine”. What a very powerful and emotional story told about Bart Millard, lead singer for Mercy Me and his life as a child growing up in an abusive home. Monster was how he described his dad. But through God’s power and strength, Bart was able to find forgiveness towards his dad, and his dad found Jesus Christ saving grace. One of the best movies I think I’ve ever seen. I encourage you to go see it. Get there early as tickets almost sell out. It’s a movie of a lifetime!

Today’s passage we find Peter asking Jesus how often we should forgive someone who sins against us. Jesus replied 77 x 7, that equals 539 times. Whew, that’s a lot! As you know Jesus’s story, he continues his life, right up to His death on a cross, paying your sin debt.  His sacrificial act opened a way for you to be completely forgiven by God for your sins, only through accepting Jesus Christ into your life.

If you are a child of God, His Holy Spirit lives inside you. It should be in your nature to forgive those who have hurt you, come against you or who continually make your life miserable. You say that’s a tall order to follow, I totally agree it is. But, ONLY through the power of God, can you find forgiveness like an unlimited pool of refreshing water to draw from when your enemies have diminished you to almost nothing. Christ’s very act on the cross is the example we should live by daily.

Who has hurt you or continues to bring grief into your life? There is an opportunity to show forgiveness and kindness to your enemies. Yea, they’ll think you might be crazy, but God sees your forgiveness and will bless you richly. Through your forgiveness, you have the opportunity to transform a monster into a child of God. Never stop forgiving. Its something that can change a life. Jesus changed mine and yours, find forgiveness in your heart today. God bless!