Day 5: Forgiveness
Picture credited to the photographer, Xavier Horton.
We Must Forgive One Another
As we continue to examine Peter’s life as a disciple, I was led to Matthew 18: 21-35 NIV. This portion of scripture explains how we should forgive one another. It begins like this, “Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.” (In fact, seventy times seven is included as an explanation to his response in the foot notes)
Then, Jesus went onto share a parable about a slave, who begged his master and king to forgive a debt that he could not repay. His master and king had mercy on him and forgave the debt in full; however, the same man failed to forgive a debt that someone owed him! Can you believe that? Sure you can! Think about it! Jesus paid a debt that we could never pay when he allowed himself to be crucified on the cross for our sins. Yet, we have the nerve to utter phrases like, “I’ll never forgive (him or her) for (this or that). You see, it’s easy to become offended. It’s easy to focus on our pain and sacrifices. It’s easy to forgive the forgiveness that has been bestowed upon us!
So, the lesson here is pretty obvious, right?
- We have to forgive our brothers and sisters because God forgave us when Jesus died on the cross for our sins! (Our brothers and sisters extend beyond our individual race, political party, family, and friend circles, by the way).
- Forgiveness sets us free.
- Forgiving allows us to be forgiven by the Father.
Soul Searching Moment
So, let’s think about this for a moment. I wanted Jesus to address the biases Peter had toward the Gentiles before he became a disciple; however, Jesus had to teach Peter how to forgive first. Another valuable lesson for him to learn as a disciple, by the way. The root of biases are often misconceptions and unforgiveness. So, what about you? Have you learned how to forgive our brothers and sisters? Are you still holding on to things from the last election? Are you still upset about a post or comment? Why don’t you think about it? Then go to the Father and pray about it.
#Soul Searching with Our Father#
Coming Up Next
We will examine why Peter denied Jesus.
