FORGIVENESS

Peter asked Jesus, “How often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Mt 18:21). Peter knows Jesus had compassion and mercy. He thought his question would impress Jesus about how merciful he was, to forgive others seven times! But Jesus’ answer was shocking: not seven times but seventy times seven! This is amazing. He intends we keep forgiving as long as forgiveness is needed. Jesus taught a wonderful parable to help us understand. It is too long to print here, but please read it in your Bible in Matthew 18:23-35. In God’s mercy He forgives sinners, then He expects them to forgive others who sin (Matthew 6:14-15). If we do not have mercy and forgive others, neither will God have mercy on us. We owed a debt of sin we could never repay. God offered us salvation by the blood of Christ when we believed, repented and were baptized into His body, the church (Eph 1:7; Acts 2:38; I Cor 12:13). Your debt of alien sins was paid when you believed and obeyed in baptism (I Jn 4:9-10; I Pet 3:21). When brothers in the body of Christ sin, our job is to forgive when they repent (I Cor 5:1; 2 Cor 2:7-8). Ask for booklet on Forgiveness.

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