Matthew 18:21–22 (NKJV)
21Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This response from Jesus emphasizes the importance of limitless forgiveness, encouraging believers to forgive others without keeping count. It underscores the boundless grace that we are called to extend, reflecting the forgiveness we receive from God.
This is personal. How many times has Jesus forgiven me? I know I do not deserve His forgiveness. I, like everyone reading this, deserve eternal separation from God. Three passages of Scripture emphasize this.
Paul tells us rather plainly that each of us is a sinner.
Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is NONE righteous, no, not one.”
Romans 3:23 “for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
We know John 3:16, The love of God is so great He sent His one and only son to die in our place. Paul writes in 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 “FOR HE MADE HIM WHO KNEW NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.” Jesus, the Son of God died in our place. Our sin was placed upon Him.
We cannot live a successful Christian life outside of God’s forgiveness. Jesus says in John 15:5 that He is the source of life. We must be connected to Him. Any unconfessed sin will kill our ability to live a successful Christian life.
John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. As I said, this is personal. I have offended someone…unintentionally. I have asked this person to forgive me. This person will not. I love this person and would love to restore the Christian fellowship. The person will not allow it. This is not a way to write a morning devotion, but it is what God has laid on my heart.